Girls - know thyself | Kechi Okwuchi | TEDxEuston

Born on the 29th of October 1989, Kechi Okwuchi was our last speaker this year. Kechi got a standing ovation even before she had said a single word. Her life story - plane crash survivor, graduating magna cum laude from college- is inspiration enough. Kechi's talk birthed many tweetable moments: "Know yourself and know your vision." "Your scars do not define you." "It's your passions that give rise to the vision you have for your life." And so many more. Words to live by from a young lady whose strength is simply phenomenal.
Kechi Okwuchi is an economics graduate of the University of St. Thomas where she was the student speaker at the 2015 Commencement Ceremony. She moved to the United States of America in 2007 for reconstructive surgery after surviving the Sosoliso plane crash in Nigeria of December 10 2005, a crash that killed amongst others, 60 of Kechi’s schoolmates from Loyola Jesuit College, Abuja who were flying home for the Christmas holidays. Despite many setbacks and over 100 surgeries, Kechi remains one of the most inspirational people you’d ever meet. With a lot of help from her family and from God, Kechi intends to make the most of her second chance at life by learning as much as she can about all the things that she is passionate about.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@WamuyuGatheru]

One starts out mainly seeing her scars and by the end are overwhelmed by her warmth, confidence, intelligence and clarity.

[@angelperera2408]

No circumstances can prevent God's plans and his purpose on this universe.

[@Twistedpeppermint99]

Angel Per era : Amen!

[@carolynmcgrady7206]

Kechi, you are a gift from God and such a talent! May God continue to bless you and your amazing spirit..

[@mariwright7003]

Honestly tho I kinda zoned in on what she was saying and forgot about her scars for a sec

[@michellestewart3455]

Absolutely true!!

[@uzomaokwudili5906]

I know this lady. You shall not die, but live to proclaim the goodness of God in your life. Amen.

[@GearsinMotionGraphics]

This girl, is one in million. A Giant

[@kreativevideos8429]

My relative Dera Nnaji died in that crash. Freshman loyola Jesuit college. Brilliant girl. Go on live for all the girls.

[@Derbydollful]

This young woman is the epitome of true beauty

[@ChinekeFoundation]

You are a glowing, beautiful beacon, a testament to strength, humility, trust, faith, perseverance, love and mankind... an inspiration. It was a privilege to be there for your talk. Thank you Kechi xxx

[@luisortega6115]

The accident happens for a cause of who is the cause many times is unknown there is a principal, The cause the god of luck for his rebellion satan caused much misfortune on earth, Heaven is free of accidents los angeles do not die, Cause and effect but the living God allowed it to do something better that there are no more accidents in a perfec world.

[@ijeleanozie26]

kechi, Awesome!!!, we are so proud. My sister friend, Nkechi introduced me to you! God will continue to make you shine always and in everything you do. God bless you!!!!!

[@shamaneikajohnson7117]

I luved her powerful testimonial . May God continue to bless her .

[@AbujaYummyMummy]

this was very inspiring...Nigerian parents need to be more open minded about their children's passion and career paths

[@mianwitawah4325]

yess!

[@mskay9597]

JENINENCE I agree! Thank you.

[@opeyemiosuporu8399]

JENINENCE exactly

[@iliassuleiman8781]

The next time I think Pheonix, I'll think Kechi... you literally rose from the ashes. I'm so proud of you dearie!

[@rudobelinda9993]

As a St Thomas alumni I am so proud to see her here, tell her inspiring story, and give praise to the Galveston Burn Center, visited there on a volunteer trip many years ago met a remarkable burn survivor from Guatemala and the two extraordinary Dr.s who were doing the healing work of skin grafting. What an inspiration....

[@andrewsbotwe6359]

I'm proud for you

[@damilolademehin3175]

So asides from the fact that Kechi is an inspiring singer, she is also a talented singer. You should google her audition for America Got Talent

[@blessingmbofana549]

You are such a blessing nkechi

[@cardunkley1628]

This is true beauty, radiating from the inside out. Thank you for the motivation, God bless you

[@lennafrancis-wilson7677]

I would trade my outward beauty just to gain ketchi's inner strength.

[@reneerichardson8778]

She's unbreakable.

[@juspra828]

Renée Richardson dannetlee

[@MultiToluwalope]

My sister Kechi, you're a prove of God's Greatness . The Lord will continue to enlarge your coast in Jesus Name - Amen .

[@sylviewilliams4490]

As a Christian God knows our beginning and our end. Thank you Lord that the day of the crash was not your end! Keep singing and letting the love of Jesus shine through you. You are truly BEAUTIFUL!

[@ese4741]

In Nigeria we are always CLOSE to our Mom's side. Beautiful story from another BEAUTIFUL NIGERIAN GIRL... Yeah we have sibling chat me and my other 2 siblings So Kechi from one Nigerian to another your family is unique and different i pray i marry into such an open and liberal family like yours.

[@jillianscott975]

Purpose driven woman of God. Thanks hon for being so bold, so brave. You have taken back what the enemy tried stealing.

[@HealthyFoodBae_]

She looks beautiful really it's amazing she survived!!

[@Fitmom4]

You are such an inspiration. May God continue to bless. You are beautiful

[@joyuzoka8959]

I love this lady.... who are mine to complain again in life.... babesss you are a fighter n from this day, u are my mentor.... I love you Kachi.

[@TheSpriceangel]

I was thrilled to see Kechi on America's Got Talent last night. I am still in awe over the brilliant performance she gave. Her singing voice is as beautiful and powerful as the rest of her. May God bless you Kechi to realize His purpose in your survival. Much love to you my sister.

[@sweetsaadia4134]

'I've never felt like my scars define me...' She radiates so much beauty.

[@babycakes8514]

What an amazing lady. So intelligent and eloquent, and she has a great personality. You could listen to her for hours! I am glad she has transcended her terrible accident to not let her scars become her

[@Neontronique]

Now she is on America's Got Talent singing.

[@lilisharimaniants8397]

X-factor 2018

[@okterlox0]

I just watched that last week!

[@estadastarbeauty2426]

She's fun to listen to

[@TeniTola]

Engaged everyone throughout her speech, brilliant😍

[@ogandie]

Absolutely blown away! You're amazing. I'm totally inspired and hope I get to meet you someday.

[@allyomeally-watson3285]

Your beauty shines through girl, well done.

[@goddychime666]

you are among the choosen ones and I'm pretty sure you are destined and preserved for a definite purpose

[@TeresaClarke]

Very inspirational. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors, Kechi.

[@ianjohnson4228]

You are alive for a Purpose, don't give up.

[@hinatalieclaire]

Girls everywhere need to hear this powerful message. You do not have to make choices based on how you look. Thank you

[@Rokah_Karey]

WOW You are a great inspiration. I love your courage. Keep Queening and shinning

[@obiageliuchenna2036]

I have no words to express what i feel Sis Nkechi. You are really special to God

[@ordotempliorientis8211]

Beauty comes from inside....lady you got it all plus intelligence....keep going God has a reason

[@lebomagano3522]

She is here for a reason 🙏

[@modernwomanTv]

this woman has my mind ohhh My God!!! She has managed to table my concerns about family, education, womanhood and self esteem as a Nigerian to others, fellow nIGERIANS etc

[@emmacarolina2]

She gets it !!!! She's great and much respect xxx

[@Desouljah]

Shout to you Kechi, You are an inspiration to many.

[@stellanwokolo7991]

you survived for a reason just accomplish it and your story will be complete. remember your parents they are your back bone now you will become theirs later.

[@TemsD]

Such a brilliant, intelligent and wise soul. Love you Kechi. I am so encouraged and inspired by your strength

[@angelachallow8972]

You are touching so many people by speaking from the heart(wipe a tear)~God kept you! You were created with an unbreakable spirit and I,like countless others will never forget your testimony. ( lots of hugs from your TexasSista)

[@hissheep6212]

Glory to God! You received victory and a testimony! Thanks for sharing the power of God.

[@nerfertitiofza6183]

Such an inspiration! And I still complain about life !

[@adetayoadewole828]

Thanks Kechi for the exposition. You are a challenge to the world and young people. Nothing is indeed impossible to attain once you discover yourself and define your vision.

[@yvonnemunongo1486]

praiz God for your achievement and faith.love u

[@miminsalam7336]

Amazing gils so much guve inspiration love from indonesia thanks to kechi

[@kcstorytime4898]

I am so inspired by Kechi. I am exiting a domestic violence relationship and found this speech reminded me that I am not the only person who is outside of the mold of expectation of others and to trust that I have intelligence, focus and passion to help others be able to find happiness and help them feel they are not alone when in hard times in life. I just love this women and would be so happy to get an opportunity to chat with her one day.

[@sycamoregloriouscenter9900]

you are God own child, indeed God hand is upon you keep the motivation going

[@justYi787]

She is amazing! GOD. bless her. I sincerely hope that she writes a book about this experience and the dynamics of "knowing thyself." I truly believe that it would be a best seller. Kechi is very witty and smart.

[@cy4330]

Great people who overcome great pain and traumatic experience always attribute their strength to having God in their life. And they all have one common thing, gratefulness. These are strong people and they survive for a reason. I really love that emotion she shows on AGT. Real and raw.

[@CONQUISTADOR79]

I wish I could meet her and give her a hand shake and a hug she's a hero in many ways bless her heart!!!!!

[@catherineamoo3008]

Girl! I am from Ghana and I can definitely relate. I relate 100%. There is a reason you are still here... Keep doing the good things in life and your blessing will continuously be abundant!!!

[@AhJodie]

Wow! Burn victims do have a lot of pain, I am glad she is through that, and now we get to listen to her talk and sing so beautifully, and her laughter is fantastic! Love to you Kechi!

[@LegitBitxh]

I love her. she is such a strong woman!

[@gloilo7286]

God bless and be with you Kechi Okwuchi. You are indeed an inspiration!

[@TheTruth-lt9cm]

Wow....What a Blessing to watch and listen to this lovely lady, Kechi Okwuchi. Thank you for sharing your experience. God is The Greatest...Give Thanks and Praises !!!I wish she would devote her life preaching.... How Great Thou Art.

[@katengan7823]

After watching her performance in the AGT show, thanks for the KZbin recommended video shown on the right side, I came to know more about your stories here in her TED Talk. God chose her because she has a beautiful heart and has something to show to the world. She is so inspiring and talented. Really hope she could win the whole AGT thing!

[@johnsonsmith912]

She's such an inspiration to All; especially to those not without challenges.

[@yinkafatona9424]

I feel blessed and privileged listening to you. You're so strong and smooth in the delivery of your speech. I think you are amazing! I have also watched you performed on America's got Talent. Girl you knew thyself and nothing is going to stop that, I think I like that. God bless you.

[@Liberty969]

Wow. I love your take on family and the scars you bear. You are a true inspiration. May God bless you always. 🙏🏽

[@njumekogge4645]

You are a truely inspiration,after all what you have gone through.

[@okoritesoxample]

So so inspired by this. A woman of true courage and strength

[@omosholafehintola2118]

beautiful woman with a beautiful soul.keep shining my dear .

[@TheAnikaljohnson]

she is a survivor

[@aliceharvey1426]

Although u have those scars,Their is this inner beauty that is showing that inspires people too help others in this we own.Thank U.Follow all your dreams. Teach Us through your music. BLESS YOU NOW AND BEYOND. Beautiful.

[@lazyvigilante7]

😫😫 wish I'd watched this a lot earlier in my life

[@jodiahrankin16]

me too.

[@fmk8707]

The future will be brighter for as is not late yet for u to follow ur dreams.

[@wgs8175]

we all have just exactly what we need when we need it so it's now up to you to make the best use of your time and experiences from exactly where you are in the here and now.

[@yetundebabalola8678]

Thank you Kechi. You're such an inspiration. God bless you.

[@mahogany1682]

Kechi may GOD continue to BLESS and heal your body. When GOD puts you through a TEST HE gives you a TESTIMONY. Keep on telling your's. Keep praying keep singing keep living for GOD

[@ritaomuero3920]

Came here after watching America got talent. She sounds like Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde. God bless you @ kachi.

[@Sophia20167]

Rita Oghenero I thought I was the only one thinking that

[@leaharielle2942]

Amazing and inspiring speeach. Tks Kechi. you were amazing on America Got Talent. God bless you and make your dreams some true.

[@blessingobinyan2732]

I am so happy u made it kechi, I read about ur last interveiw before d american trip. God bless u dear

[@SD-wf9xq]

I needed this. Thank you Kechi, you are so blessed and I hope you do more talks.

[@capricornlady2515]

great great story, and some of us who have all our faculties in order, gets up everyday and complain about everything. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@yahsdaughterawaken4886]

She is a awesome Testimony of Gods Grace, Mercy and Favor. He has big plans for this young lady. May God Continue To Cover Her Life With His Favor. Hallelujah TO TMH!

[@nikemorakinyo5830]

Kechi! you are amazing and God's bless you.

[@poupeeekindi2995]

To God be the Glory KECHI...your story reminds me of the christian song "How great thou art"...Continue to be a light in all this world's dark places.Humbled by you!

[@rosinamakabeni4914]

Indeed, she is a blessed survivor with a testimony that nothing impossible with God

[@nonnalovepriceless]

You are a beautiful woman inside and out . Never blame god for unexpected circumstances. Thankyou for being courageous and humble....

[@norrisjane34]

Awesome Being. She is amazing. God bless her greatly.

[@zuruRN-MD]

Very motivating... Extremely smart, intelligent, nice carriage and lovely personality.... A star!!!

[@madge2080]

That was amazing Kechi, great speech!

[@chidoziejustine9531]

you're an inspiration to many out there... we love dear

[@roxybrowning7558]

Kechi you are a speaker for God thank you for being so strong.

[@estheradewole4278]

Aunt kechi I must tell u M really inspired by your story may God continue to bless you and lift you up greater in life I love you so much and m happy for you sis

[@Renette1987]

beautiful, powerful, and inspirational! God bless you!

[@christine8767]

you're very inspiring Kechi. Thank you

[@josephasoh2669]

I have listened severally to your song on America Got Talent show and listening to you now, your brilliance, spirituality n perspective to life is worth connecting with. I know we will meet someday. Stretch n Dominate!

[@darlzchriz1320]

Nice sense of humor, great speech!

[@theunderdoc2334]

Such an inspirational story! Very strong woman!

[@ebilicioustv2644]

Firstly kechi I'm incredibly blessed to v met a living miracle of God on air... I'm exactly ur age n was ur age at d time of the auto crash... I was Neva there but I was miserable ... So many so many young innocent children gone...left their parents at d extreme point of insanity... But then I heard u survived.... N I'm blessed so blessed that I'm watching u perform on AGT, n speak on platforms like this so confident, strong, intelligent, resilient, passionate... Self aware... Words rnt enof to describe HW I feel about u .... I feel like I've met God seeing u... U inspire me darling. Thank u for fighting n staying alive through all the almost unbearable moments of ur life... I love u so much u can only imagine... U are beautiful kechi inside and out.😥😢😳😍❤💞💝

[@albertogonzalez1523]

AMAZING WOMAN! :) Now shes on AGT! Shes doing greaaaat so far!! :D

[@Gexxon]

AMERICAS GOT TALENT, brought me here. She is an amazing individual with a lot of courage. I admire her strength to keep going on with life and her mission in life now. Wow!

[@sheilabailey8906]

God chose you first to be an inspiration for a lot of people that is down you are telling people you can make it no matter what so thank you so much and love yourself no matter what thank you

[@estherndidi9593]

so inspiring n full of wisdom

[@Reni505]

You survived for a purpose thank God for sparing your life love you Kechi

[@vera_nika2]

one amazing lady.and her singing voice OMG

[@pauldavid3459]

you are a testimonies to the wold

[@ulus1594]

Beautiful words

[@edithopara2496]

You are a warrior!!!

[@mf-hy3zz]

Such a warrior!! Love it!! You go girl!!