Chris Koch had an inspiring story to tell and the students of Innisfail Middle School listened to every word.
Koch, a current Nanton-area resident, was born without arms and legs 35 years ago and it has never stopped him from travelling the world, becoming a world-class public speaker, and operating farm machinery.
“The question most people ask me is how I do it,” said Koch. “I tell people that anything is possible. It just might take more effort and take longer. While people see my life as a challenge, I have never had to deal with learning how to move without legs after having them.”
The speaker was in Innisfail last month speaking at the Innisfail Golf Club and he just happened to have Oct. 22 free. Koch was recently featured on Oprah Winfrey's Super Soul Sunday program where he introduced his Steep Your Soul video.
“We got a call from Chris on Monday morning and he asked us if he was able to speak to the students,” said Jay Steeves, principal of Innisfail Middle School. “To arrange this, we had to fly by the seat of our pants, but we set up a school assembly for 2 p.m. with him. The Grade 4 class from École John Wilson also participated.”
Koch noted he was born with no arms and legs and attended school in Torquay, Sask. He then went to Ottawa's Carleton University for broadcasting and psychology. Despite his disability, he has travelled worldwide on his own, having recently gone through Europe alone for three months.
“The biggest challenge, if I have any, is that of having to live independently and doing the tasks on my own,” said Koch. “There are times when I have had to adapt to existing setups, like using a plank when I am working on the farm. When people do offer to help, and they do, I politely refuse and continue on. I am continually amazed at how many people genuinely want to help wherever I go.”
The speaker said a frequent response to his talks in schools and in front of groups comes from people who “think they can't do something because of the way they look or have a disability,” said Koch, before his presentation.
“I'm living proof you can do anything,” added Koch. “Kids come up to me and tell me that after my presentation they believe they can follow their dreams and that encourages me. Quite often, as much as I am a cheerleader for the kids, they help me just as much. To put it simply, you get out of life what you put into it.”
An hour later a gymnasium of students intently watched and listened to Koch; his remarkable story about his journey through life. He earnestly told students to believe in themselves, that anything was possible.
“The rest is up to them,” said Koch.
