Carmen’s journey has shaped a thoughtful understanding of resilience. She has learnt that resilience is not simply about continuing at all costs, but also about recognising when to pause, rest and change direction. Through difficult experiences, she has developed a strong desire to support people, particularly those whose needs may not be immediately visible, and to remind others that even in moments of despair, they are not alone.

Being selected as one of Hong Kong’s Top 10 Outstanding Teens marked a turning point for Carmen. It gave her the courage to share her story through RTHK and at the Hong Kong Book Fair, deepening her self-awareness and enabling her to encourage others. She now serves as a committee member of the Hong Kong Outstanding Teens Association. Her hospital volunteering further taught her that compassion is not always about solving a problem; sometimes, it begins with simply being present.

Carmen continues to explore new ways to grow and contribute. After completing a government accounting internship, she became an AF Student Ambassador, where she supports others while continuing to develop her own capabilities. She is also exploring the idea of a Companion Story Platform for people with similar experiences, with the aim of turning personal insight into mutual support.

The Foundation’s motto, ‘Care for others as well as you would care for yourself’, resonates deeply with Carmen’s understanding of resilience and compassion. Her journey as a Scholar of The D. H. Chen Foundation will help her to learn how caring for oneself and caring for others can go hand in hand, transforming lived experience into meaningful support and helping create spaces where people feel seen, understood and empowered to move forward.