Read touching story of Sosoliso airline survive story

 Inspirational singer and two-time finalist of America’s Got Talent, Kechi Okwuchi, who was one of the only two survivors of the December 10, 2005 Sosoliso Airlines plane crash, that claimed over 100 lives shares her childhood memories and aspirations with TOBI AWORINDE

Your story captured the hearts of millions around the world but which areas of your childhood stand out for you?

I don’t talk much about my early childhood. I was an only child for 11 years before my sister was born and there are only two of us, so being an only child for so long, I was definitely spoilt by my parents and extended family, also because I was the first grandchild. So, I was very much doted on by my grandparents, aunt and people I’ve had in my life. We weren’t wealthy; we were a regular family, but my parents did what they could to provide as much as they could for me, so I never really felt like I was missing out on anything. We travelled out of the country whenever we could and my mum and dad did what they could to buy me the things that would make me happy – toys that I liked, movies that I wanted to watch, clothes I wanted to wear, and things like that. I also really liked my own company, even as a child. I knew how to be by myself a lot, I didn’t feel lonely and I had a small group of friends whose houses I would go to, to hang out, and they to mine as well. So, I have to say my childhood was very fulfilling.

Growing up in Nigeria is not easy for anyone and there are always going to be experiences that are different from growing up in a place that has constant electricity or access to certain things that we take for granted over here in America. Aside from that, I was a pretty happy kid, I would say. I have always been very positive and noisy, especially in primary school. I did well in school but my teachers would always say, “Yes, she does well in class, but she’s such a noisemaker. She talks too much.” So, I always had something to say, I was always talking. Aside from that, I think I was a pretty good kid if you ask my parents. I didn’t really give them a lot of stress, I just talked a lot and was very active. It was a nice childhood, I think