Khin Zarchy O.- Diagnosed at age 25

In the past, I attended medical school in Myanmar. While I have always been a diligent student, I found myself struggling during my college years. I began to exert extra effort and faced challenges, often feeling fatigued and lethargic. As a result, my academic performance suffered and I became an average student. This became more apparent during my internship at a hospital, where I realized something was not right with my health. 

Upon graduating at the age of 25, I spent a year seeking a diagnosis, which revealed that I had mild SLE.  I faced judgment from others who labeled me as lazy, which took a toll on my mental well-being. Thanks to my family's support, I persevered and have successfully stopped taking hydroxychloroquine. While I still experience occasional joint pains, I have made the decision to pursue a master's degree in Hong Kong that does not necessitate working in a hospital setting. I am optimistic that my future will hold promising opportunities for me.