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ONFE Volunteers in Education Spotlight: Karen Ho

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Karen Ho

This week ONFE celebrates National Volunteer Week by placing a spotlight on some of the volunteers making a change in our community. Meet Karen Ho, a volunteer with our Volunteers in Education program.

1.     Tell us a little bit about yourself… 

I am a fourth year psychology student at the University of Ottawa, from Toronto, Ontario. During my free time I enjoy volunteering for the school board or non profit organizations in mental health. I enjoy participating in school clubs such as being an executive member for Students for Mental Health Awareness and Tedx uOttawa on campus. Aside from my passion in volunteering and working with children I enjoy spending time doing outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing with friends and family.  

2.     What made you decide to volunteer with the Volunteers in Education Program? 

I wanted to volunteer with the Volunteers in Education Program because I hope to pursue teacher’s college after completing my undergraduate degree this spring. Also, I enjoy working with children and have continued to volunteer with the Education Program since my second year.  

3.     What is your personal philosophy on life? 

My personal philosophy on life is “Life is about solving problems, and every obstacle is the way forward”.  

4.     If you had a time machine, what year would you travel to and why? 

I would travel to the 1920s because I enjoy the fashion, music was transformed and the community became full of art. It helped open new doors for future decades. The “Roaring Twenties” was a time when people defied Prohibition, indulged in new styles of dancing and dressing. Prosperity was on the rise in cities and social change.  

5.     For 24 hours, you can steal credit for any great piece of art, song, film, book etc. which one would you claim?   

I would claim the book “Eat, Pray, Love”, because it illustrates the memoir chronicles of the author’s trip around the world and what she discovered in herself. Most importantly, my favourite part is when she embarked on four uninterrupted months of spiritual exploration. The book teaches us to claim responsibility for our own contentment and stop trying to live in imitation of society’s ideals.  

6.     What is your favorite hidden gem in Ottawa?

My favourite hidden gem is Tavern on the Hill, which overlooks Parliament Hill. In the summer, when they turn on the patio lights it is extremely beautiful.  

7.    What was the single greatest lesson of this past year and what did it teach you about yourself? 

I learned how to adapt to online learning which was extremely difficult in the beginning, since I struggled with maintaining the motivation to watch pre recorded lectures. I learned to demonstrate self motivation and better my abilities for time management, which has helped me with my learning this semester.  

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