Turning Point: When a University Exit Becomes a Starting Line
In Singapore, a story of struggle and renewal unfolds as Dorcas Tang shares how art became a lifeline after she left university amid a period of deep depression. Hailed by many for her creative instincts, Dorcas had long harbored a dream to study art since primary school. Yet social expectations and practical considerations nudged her toward more conventional paths—science and architecture. The decision, propelled by family and peer advice, set her on a route that would later reveal a crucial truth: a traditional degree is not the sole measure of a successful life, especially when mental health is at stake.
The Weight of Expectations and the Quiet Burden of Depression
Depression rarely announces itself with a single sign. For Dorcas, it grew in the margins of her academic journey: sleepless nights, a growing sense of disconnection, and the creeping fear that she wouldn’t fit into the rigid timelines of conventional success. When the pressure to excel collided with a deteriorating mental state, she made a difficult choice: pause and reassess. Leaving university was not a defeat; it was a moment of honest appraisal about what she could endure and what she genuinely desired. In that pause, art did not vanish. It shifted from a hobby into a daily practice that helped her weather difficult days.
Art as a Therapeutic Practice: From Passing Interest to Daily Ritual
Art became more than an outlet for self-expression. It turned into a practical tool for navigating moods, gaining small wins, and rebuilding a sense of agency. In Singapore’s vibrant, yet crowded, urban landscape, Dorcas found inspiration in everyday scenes—the way light falls on a window, the texture of a weathered wall, the rhythm of people moving through a busy street. These observations translated into sketches and paintings that allowed her to articulate feelings she could not name aloud. This creative routine created a stable anchor during a turbulent time, enabling her to reclaim a sense of purpose without the pressure of following a predefined career path.
Finding Community Through Art
Isolation can intensify depression, but art introduced Dorcas to a broader community of peers who shared similar journeys. Local art collectives and community art spaces offered safe, non-judgmental environments where she could connect over techniques, critiques, and encouragement. The social aspect of creating—sharing a studio, attending a workshop, or collaborating on a group project—provided a crucial layer of support. These connections reinforced the idea that personal growth does not have to mirror a traditional timeline and that resilience can emerge from collaborative creativity as much as from solitary practice.
Practical Steps: Turning Passion into a Path
With the help of mentors and supportive networks, Dorcas began translating her art into practical avenues. She experimented with different media, from drawing and painting to digital design, letting the process guide her rather than rigid outcomes. This exploratory phase helped her identify strengths and interests, such as color theory, composition, and visual storytelling—skills that are transferable to fields like design, illustration, and education.
Importantly, Dorcas also sought resources for mental health while reintegrating into academic or professional settings on her own terms. This included talking to counselors, managing expectations with family, and setting small, achievable goals that prioritized wellness over hustle. The journey underscores a growing understanding: well-being must come first, and career success can follow in unpredictable, non-linear ways.
Impact and Outlook: A New Chapter Rooted in Creativity
Today, Dorcas Tang is not defined by a single achievement or a conventional career title. Her story is about resilience, self-advocacy, and the redirection of passion into sustainable practice. Art remains a central thread—an ongoing process that supports mental health while giving her a platform to connect with others who might be navigating similar challenges. In a country known for its fast-paced development, her experience highlights a broader truth: mental health and creative expression can coexist with professional growth, and sometimes, leaving a traditional path is the first step toward a more authentic journey.
Takeaway: What This Means for Students and Creatives
For students facing mental health challenges, Dorcas’s story offers a message of hope and practical guidance. Seek support early, allow yourself to pause when needed, and protect your creative practice as a reliable means of processing emotions. If art is your language, use it to articulate what words cannot fully convey. The road may be non-traditional, but it can lead to meaningful work, personal balance, and a renewed sense of purpose.
