Kechi Okwuchi, a survivor of a terrible plane crash in Nigeria, eventually received a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with distinction. Despite serious burns covering much of her body, Okwuchi bucked the odds and continued her study with dedication.
On December 10, 2005, a catastrophic airline crash killed 107 out of 109 people. Okwuchi, who was only 16 at the time, suffered third-degree burns to 65% of her body and had a 30% chance of survival.
Okwuchi was taken to Milpark Hospital in South Africa for emergency medical care, and then to Shriners Hospitals for Children in Texas, where she had over 100 surgeries to repair her injuries.
Despite her obstacles, Okwuchi returned to college in 2009 and graduated with highest honors in Economics from the University of St. Thomas in 2015.
Kechi was invited to several top honor societies, including the International Economics Honor Society, in recognition of her academic achievement.
Beyond her academic achievements, Okwuchi is a multi-talented individual who excels as a singer, composer, business adviser, and motivational speaker. Her book, ‘More Than My Scars,’ reinforces her message of resilience and self-acceptance.
Okwuchi and her narrative won many people’s hearts on America’s Got Talent: The Champions in 2019, and she advanced to the final round thanks to Simon Cowell’s golden buzzer.
Okwuchi achieved another milestone in 2023, when she graduated with distinction from the University of St. Thomas in Texas with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Economics.
“Look who has finally walked!” Kechi Okwuchi, an authentic MBA graduate, shared her triumph on X, and many people celebrated with her. “thank God and thank you, @stthomashouston”
Reflecting on her path, Kechi underlines the value of sincerity and self-acceptance.
“I do not hide behind anything. I don’t hide my true self or appearance from the world. I want people to feel comfortable being themselves in any scenario because that is how they should be. Okwuchi told Essence that this is the key to true happiness in life.