SOTY 22/23: Best Improvement winner shares how a mentor helped her overcome dyslexia and be a more confident student
- To Yu-yik had a hard time reading and writing Chinese and English from a young age
- Ms Shek, a dedicated social worker, became Yu-yik’s mentor and turned her life on a positive path
To Yu-yik is a Form Six student at Buddhist Wong Tan Tin College. Photo: HandoutAt just 17 years old, To Yu-yik, a Form Six student at Buddhist Wong Tan Tin College, has encountered many obstacles on her academic journey due to developmental dyslexia.
Yu-yik struggled with reading and writing in Chinese and English from a young age. Chinese characters appeared flipped or unfamiliar to her, while English words seemed to rearrange themselves.
Completing homework often meant staying up until the early hours of the morning. Frustrated, Yu-yik considered giving up on her education.
“I believed I could not study properly, so I chose not to. I was often the last in my class during exams,” Yu-yik admitted.
Her disinterest in studying and association with a troublesome peer group almost led her down a destructive path, engaging in smoking, drinking, and harassing others.
Yu-yik’s life took a positive turn when she encountered Ms Shek, a dedicated social worker who became her mentor. Shek introduced Yu-yik to learning techniques like using storytelling to make Chinese characters more memorable.
This new approach sparked Yu-yik’s confidence in her abilities and instilled her with diligence.
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In addition to her academic transformation, Yu-yik also discovered the power of volunteer work during her Form Two and Form Three years.
Initially apprehensive about interacting with people with intellectual disabilities, Yu-yik soon realised how her dyslexia created a shared experience and helped her relate to the challenges these individuals faced. Witnessing their accomplishments inspired Yu-yik to be more confident in her own abilities.
“As I got to know them, I felt a connection. I felt that if they [could] excel and achieve despite their intellectual challenges, perhaps I could too.”
“After volunteering, I noticed a significant improvement in my grades. I became more engaged in my studies and developed a deeper respect for my teachers and classmates. Volunteering helped me realise the value of hard work and determination,” Yu-yik reflected.
Yu-yik’s remarkable improvement and perseverance were recognised when she was named the Best Improvement winner at the Student of the Year (SOTY) awards, organised by the South China Morning Post and sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club. The judges believed that her journey inspired others, showcasing that with resilience, one can overcome dyslexia, negative influences, and academic challenges to become a true role model.
As Yu-yik prepares for her university entrance exams, she faces the future with optimism and excitement, saying: “My experiences have taught me that challenges can be overcome with effort and the right support.”