Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Kechi Okwuchi. I’m 27 years old, a graduate student getting my MBA at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, TX.
I’m originally from Imo State, Nigeria, and I have lived in Texas for close to eleven years.
I am the first of two girls born to my parents, Mike and Ijeoma Okwuchi. My sister, Tara and I live in Texas with my Mom, while my Dad visits when he can.
I completed my high school education here in Texas, and went on to major in Economics at the University of St. Thomas, graduating Summa cum Laude, and being chosen to give the student commencement address at my graduation.
It has long been my ambition to work at the United Nations and in fact, that is why I decided to get my MBA.
Being so privileged to be a part of America’s Got Talent, I have no idea what direction God is taking me, but I remain completely yielded to Him, following wherever He leads!
What was going through your mind in that split second?
There was really no time to think of anything. From the moment it became obvious that something was wrong until the plane actually went down, there was no time to react one way or another.
In your opinion, how did you survive the crash?
It was the grace of God and nothing else. I am most certainly not greater or better than all that passed away that day. God saw fit to save my life for His own purpose, and my prayer every day is that I am worthy of that grace.
How many people were in the airplane with you and how many of you survived?
There were 109 people in the aircraft. Only two of us survived.
How do you feel about flying now?
I’m pretty okay with flying. Apart from getting a bit nervous now and then, especially during landings.
How’s your health now and over the past years?
I’m doing great now. It was very tough and challenging for a long time, but I can say I’ve turned the corner and I’m doing really well.
How did you process the grief and or sadness about the sudden change in appearance and physical abilities?
I am happy to say that there has been no grief or sadness regarding my appearance, from the first time I saw my face in a mirror in Milpark Hospital 11 years ago, up until this moment that I write these words. I can only give God all the glory that he made me strong enough, enduring enough to look beyond the physical and see what He sees, to see the beauty that He put within me. What I have felt sometimes is a bit of nostalgia when I see myself in old pictures, but it usually passes. Now, physical abilities is another matter entirely, and for a while in the past, I was very anxious that I would not be able to do certain things anymore, like walk normally or take a shower without assistance. As God would have it, time and a LOT of physical therapy was all I needed.
How did you deal with the anxiety about how people will react when they see you?
My family and friends were the only ones I worried about, but it was more about them than me, I hoped they would be able to deal with the physical change and take it in stride when they see that beyond that, I’m the very same Kechi they’ve always known. I have never once worried about strangers’ reactions to my appearance, however. I don’t see the point really; they’re strangers after all. It doesn’t matter to me how they react. In the end, most people I meet are extremely friendly and encouraging, anyway.
What are some of the challenges you have faced after the accident?
Learning to walk again. Learning to hold objects in my hands, learning to write. Pain from surgery and physiotherapy, itching from the healing skin.
When did you first realize, you wanted to be an entertainer?
I have had this secret dream since I was a teenager, but I never put it into words until recently because I never thought it would happen in my lifetime.
What drove you to audition for America got talent?
A friend who submitted an online audition on my behalf without my knowledge. She took the step I was too afraid to.
When did you start performing? Would you say singing help you through this journey?
When I was in Shriners Hospital, Galveston, there was a music therapist called Christine who helped me to use music as a tool for healing. She was the first person to tell me that my voice was above average and encouraged me to sing. She put together a band we called Shriners Band made up of patients, and we performed for the hospital staff. That was my first performance! Music and singing were what helped me pull through when things were really bad. When I laid covered from head to toe in bandages, music was my escape and kept me sane.
Were you ever bullied after the incident?
Not even once.
Do you think social media negatively affects young girls/women’s self-esteem? How?
Very much so. Even before they have the ability to comprehend what they see, young girls are exposed to all sorts of images on screens and magazines that tell them what they’re supposed to look like and what’s considered attractive for/on a female. It’s hardly a wonder that many grow into their teens with serious self esteem issues and negative body images.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge for the generation of women behind you?
I think it’s the same challenge that women in my generation are facing still: fighting the preset roles that society has mapped out for women and instead pursuing the things that bring them true fulfillment without societal and cultural restrictions.
What makes you beautiful? What’s next for you?
It sounds cliché but true, eternal beauty can only comes from within. Everything that makes me beautiful has always come from inside. I’m pursuing my Master’s degree right now. I have no idea where God is leading with AGT, but my duty is to listen to and obey Him.
Is there anything else you feel that we need to know about you?
Not really. I just want to say thank you for the honour of being featured as your July Beauty of the month.