Eunice Ho

Eunice Ho has always been an advocate for education, believing deeply in its transformative power. As a manager at the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, her professional life was well-established, yet her passion for lifelong learning and community service constantly propelled her toward new opportunities. One such opportunity was Camp 2030, an initiative by UNITE 2030 that caught her eye in 2022.

Eunice has always believed in the transformative power of education. Her journey, marked by a relentless pursuit of learning and a deep commitment to community service, eventually led her to Camp 2030, an initiative by UNITE 2030 that captured her interest in 2022.

Discovering Camp 2030

"I have been following UNITE 2030 and been part of the community for some time," Eunice recalls. "I saw the first Camp 2030 in 2022 was held successfully, and it looked fun and interesting to me, so I applied for the 2023 cohort." The prospect of joining a global gathering of changemakers was thrilling, and Eunice was eager to be a part of it.

The journey to camp

Eunice’s journey to Camp 2030 began with a heartfelt application. "We had to write an essay on why we wanted to join Camp 2030. I was doing education-related volunteer work in Hong Kong and was eager to share and do more in the community outside of my country. I wrote my essay with my own personal experiences, how my life experiences changed me, and so on. I think this is the most truthful way to approach something you really want to do," she explains.

Graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Business and starting her career in the banking industry might not scream 'education advocate,' but Eunice's passion to change the world was unwavering. She was particularly inspired by the impact of the television show "Sesame Street" and its ability to shape children’s development. Eunice strongly believed in the power of education, not just academically, but emotionally as well. Her interest in social-emotional learning (SEL) and mental health awareness was rooted in her own experiences of traumatic grief at the age of 13 and the healing journey that followed.

The moment Eunice received her acceptance into Camp 2030 was exhilarating. "I felt so excited when I knew that I was accepted — not just about contributing to the SDGs, but also about meeting new faces from around the world!" Her anticipation grew as she prepared to embark on this new journey.

Facing Fears and Embracing Excitement

Eunice’s excitement was accompanied by a sense of purpose. Reflecting on her thoughts before Camp 2030, she said, "As the first president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela said, 'Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.' In real life, everyone’s educational journey is different. To me, life is a learning journey – from reading books, listening to podcasts, watching TED Talks, to simply talking to different people."

Her professional role at the Hong Kong Monetary Authority was complemented by her dedication to promoting lifelong learning opportunities. Eunice’s diverse experiences, including her involvement in promoting healthy living through her Instagram blog "@eunicehealthyeats," organizing yoga gratitude workshops, and participating in international conferences like the Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations, all contributed to her multifaceted perspective on education and well-being.

Eunice left no stone unturned in her preparation for Camp 2030. "I joined all the campers' training sessions to meet other campers and scheduled a session with Brody, UNITE 2030’s Community Manager, to address all my concerns/questions. And after all, I just booked my flight from Hong Kong to New York and came!" Her readiness and enthusiasm were palpable as she set off for this transformative experience.

Camp 2030 turned out to be everything Eunice hoped for and more. "Education is a right, not a privilege. I also realized the importance of quality education — education is not just about school grades or one’s career path; mental health education is also an important part of quality education," Eunice reflects.

During Camp 2030, Eunice shared her views and ideas on SDG Track 4: Quality Education. Alongside her teammates, they developed solutions to provide equitable education in STEM to public school students in Venezuela, supported by the United Nations Development Program and the Ministry of Science and Technology in Venezuela. "I left Camp 2030 with a heart full of joy and love and built lasting friendships within this community. I have learned so much from all the camp counselors and other incredible changemakers."

Bringing It Home

Eunice’s journey didn’t end with Camp 2030; it was merely the beginning. "I will take these experiences back home to continue contributing to the wellness community and promoting mental health education in Hong Kong as a yoga teacher and social media influencer, apart from my corporate job," she says, determined to apply the lessons she learned to her community.

Her commitment to promoting mental health and emotional well-being is deeply personal. Eunice’s own experiences with grief and therapy taught her the importance of embracing tough emotions and the critical role of education in shaping one’s childhood. She aims to create educational materials and programs that teach children about loss and grief, helping them understand and manage their emotions constructively.

Advice for Future Campers

Eunice’s advice for future campers is simple yet profound: "Experience the happiness and profound immersion of embarking on a truly unforgettable journey — one that has the potential to transform your life in ways you never thought possible. You would not be able to change the world in six days, but you all grow together to make the world a better place. I believe you will all continue to shine in different parts of the world, working towards your goals."

Eunice’s journey to Camp 2030 is a testament to the power of education, community, and the unwavering spirit of changemakers worldwide. Her story inspires us all to pursue our passions, embrace new challenges, and make a meaningful impact wherever we are.