Maria Okese is a model; she recently contested in a beauty pageant for deaf girls in Nigeria. In this interview, she revealed how she has been able to overcome depression and rejection because of her disability.
You contested in a beauty pageant recently; how would you describe your experience?
I would describe my experience in the pageantry as the best; meeting many deaf models like me who are beautiful, talented and skillful is priceless; I learnt a lot from interacting with them; I feel inspired.
What are some of the challenges you’ve had to deal with as a model with hearing impairment?
There have been many challenges, especially when people don’t believe in me, there was a time I wanted to participate in pageantry with regular girls who were not deaf but they said my deafness was a challenge, they belittled me. This is one of the reasons why I was so glad when I heard about the pageant organised for the Most Beautiful Deaf Girl in Nigeria. I felt a sense of belonging; I saw it as a platform to showcase my skills and beauty to the world.
Another challenge is lack of sponsors, many people don’t believe in me but some people still support my dreams. As an orphan it has not been an easy journey; I know how it feels not to have parents, so it was so hard for me to get support; but I’m still thankful that I have some good Samaritans who support me; but still, it is quite challenging.
Did you ever envisage that you’ll be the winner of the Miss deaf competition?
I didn’t believe I would win the crown but I was positive because I gave it my best. I bought the best dress, and I composed myself well; I practiced for five years. I also participated in a runway show in Port Harcourt and I am glad it helped me perfect my catwalk and exposure. So during the one-week-long camp for the Miss Deaf
pageant, I knew I had a chance of winning the competition. When I was announced as the winner; my Joy was full; it was joy unspeakable.
How would you describe your childhood?
It was hellish; I’m a deaf girl and also an orphan. Life seemed so worthless without a parent. I used to feel down and hopeless; I didn’t believe my dreams would come true. There was no hope of a bright future, I used to feel that even if I have dream how would I survive without my parents? My life was ignored, the light was so dim. I was that child who was said to be unfortunate because I didn’t have parents. Well as a child, who finds solace in depending on others to survive, family members, sisters, and friends, supported me, now I believe that some people’s life depends greatly on others.
What are some of your hobbies?
Art, modelling, photography, dancing, swimming, travelling and meeting new people.
What were some of the challenges you had to deal with as a child with hearing impairments?
General societal rejection of people with disabilities; looking down on us as if we are not humans and discrimination against our right.
Besides being a model, you are also a photographer, what motivated you to acquire this skill?
The motivation came from my love for art and fashion. I love photography because I know the skill will take me places.
Your bio on Instagram says you are deaf and proud of it; what inspired this statement?
I love who I am. I am Maria Okese, I am deaf, beautiful and proud. If I am not proud of myself who will?
Another inspiration is my achievement as Miss Deaf Nigeria; I would represent Nigeria at the World Deaf pageant in Czech Republic soon; this is an added advantage and it makes me so proud of being deaf, beautiful, bold and brilliant.
As a beautiful model with hearing difficulties, what is your relationship life like?
Socially my relationship life is cool; with my family it’s not easy, but yes, I count my blessings, one by one, so despite all the ups and downs in life they are still my strong backbone.
I have a good relationship with my friends; I am a jovial person. I smile a lot maybe that is one of the reasons why I won the Miss Deaf pageantry. So my relationships with friends are good; they are supportive.
My relationship with my boyfriend is the best. He knows when I am sad and happy, he knows my needs, and he is the mother and father I look up to. He is caring and accommodating, he has been supporting me since I was a little girl. We are still growing strong together and I am hopeful that we would end up as husband and wife. I love him.
Have you ever battled with a low self-esteem before?
No. Like I said before I don’t look down on myself. I am an ambitious lady and I work hard to attain my desired goal. So I have a very healthy self-esteem.
What plans do have for the future?
I love education, I want to pursue my education to the university level; I want to give myself the best but being an orphan, the dreams may not materialise, but I believe I can get a scholarship to further my education to a higher institution. I believe a helper will locate me and help me to be who I aspire to be.
As the first Miss Deaf in Nigeria, I plan to help other orphans like me to realise their dream; I want to make them smile by organising a program for them where I can teach them photography. I pray I would be able to do this with the help of other good Nigerians. I also plan to help many deaf beggars on the street and give them a better life. I intend to open a vocational centre for them. A place where they can learn Fashion designing, make-up, catering services, hair dressing, photography and many more, this will help them to be self reliant and independent.
By July I will be on my way to Czech Republic to represent Nigeria at the World Miss and Mr Deaf competition. I am Maria Okese, I am deaf and proud, I am beautiful am the voice for the voiceless; the hope of disability Nigeria (independent.ng)
