At times we all become overjoyed or filled with sorrow – but what Dorothy experienced was unspeakable hardship. It started in Form 4, when she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Then when ready to return to school, she fell victim to physical co-ordination disorders. "I saw nearly 100 doctors, but nobody knew the reason," she recalls. "I felt so bad when some of them doubted me for 'playing sick'. My health worsened, I lost the ability to speak and had difficulty swallowing. I just wanted to put an end to everything." Tears come to Dorothy's eyes when she recalls those tough times.

Fortunately, she had her parents' full support, and an amazing psychiatrist from Guangzhou turned up at the critical moment. She was diagnosed with a rare neurological symptoms disorder due to the side effects of prescribed drugs.

While recovering, Dorothy could not attend any of her high school lessons – yet she remained confident she could still pass the public exams through self-study. After missing the public exams for three years, she eventually succeeded at her fourth attempt and was admitted to Hong Kong Baptist University's Academy of Music, earning a Scholarship for her excellent results.

"I made a promise to complete the exams, and proved myself by doing so," Dorothy says. "The Scholarship not only recognises my ability, but has also given me an opportunity to meet JC Scholars from different backgrounds. They have their own goals, and have given me advice on how to achieve mine." She now often volunteers to help other patients suffering from mental disease. "I had a fear of Kwai Chung Hospital as I once had to stay there, yet I knew I couldn't just escape from that fear. I decided to join their volunteer team and redeem myself by helping others." Dorothy hopes to study music thanatology in the future, using the power of music to benefit the public's mental health.

Dorothy met many like-minded friends while volunteering at the hospital.