Lao Tzu once said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” My recent trek up Mt. Kenya with Sir Richard Branson and a fantastic group of inspiring individuals embodied this quote; it was an incredible journey of a lifetime.
We embarked on our adventure in October 2022. Today, six months later, I am thrilled to share the full-length video of our journey from Day 1 to Day 5 on Mt. Kenya. Our adventure took us to the top of the second highest mountain in Africa as part of the Strive Challenge. The Strive Challenge is a campaign by Big Change, a mission-based organisation dedicated to ensuring youth success.
During the trip, we faced challenges, pushed our limits, and formed lifelong bonds. This expedition was not just about climbing a mountain; it was about embracing the spirit of adventure, reaching new heights, and working towards a brighter future for all.
Throughout our trek, we broke into groups and discussed global education challenges and how we might support development worldwide. My group’s conversation focused on our personal experiences and how they connected to the issues that Big Change is tackling.
Education has played a crucial role in my family’s history. My Grandfather left Hong Kong in the 1950s to seek a better life in the United Kingdom. His ability to create a successful business hinged on his grasp of English and his early, albeit limited, formal education.
My own journey through education was shaped by the fact that I grew up as a first-generation immigrant in Belfast, where I experienced racially-charged bullying. This experience changed my outlook on the school system and formal education. Despite this, I studied law at one of England’s most prestigious law schools and recently attended Harvard Business School.
Throughout my education, I have developed a holistic view and come to believe that while education is important, it doesn’t guarantee everything in life. Like anything of value, it must be cultivated and nurtured over the long term.
I am a massive fan of Big Change and its work. The organisation does a great job bringing together like-minded people to effect change. While Big Change used to focus on the UK, it now has a global reach.
For those interested in getting involved and participating in the global conversation, you can host a #BigEducationConversation. By doing this, you can help share a vision for change. Visit bigeducationconversation.org and join the mission to support a million conversations in communities worldwide.
As for me, I am excited to continue pushing boundaries and breaking barriers. I believe that #anythingispossible when we work together towards a common goal.
