(Minghui.org) Pressure from schoolwork led me to develop kidney problems in the 10th grade in China. My lower back was sore, I felt dizzy, and had tinnitus and other issues. I often felt tired and sometimes dozed off during class. Thinking I lacked sleep, I did not take it seriously. My mother eventually took me to a doctor, who prescribed medicine to treat kidney problems. I felt better after taking the medicine and thought I had recovered.

During my first year in college, I strained my lower back during gym class. The pain spread through my entire body and I was diagnosed with a slipped disc. The doctor said the pain was also related to my kidney problems. I had to take expensive medicine. To make things worse, the doctor recommended I rest in bed instead of doing my normal activities. I was very upset.

To apply for graduate school, I took extra classes in my junior year, which made me very busy and stressed. I complained whenever my family members called and our relationship went down hill. Following the suggestion of a school counselor, I saw a psychologist and was diagnosed with deep depression and moderate anxiety. From that day on, I had to take medication every day to relieve those symptoms.

My schoolwork became heavier in my senior year. Instead of playing around in the dorm and dining hall, I spent extra time in the classroom and library. I often received awards for academic excellence, but I was not happy. Seeing my poor physical and mental health, my mother was worried, too.

One day she said, “I have done everything I could—giving you money, buying you necessities, and helping you in your life. But that will not improve your physical health or solve your psychological issues,” she paused and continued, “The only way left is for you to practice Falun Dafa.”

My mother had been practicing the meditation of Falun Dafa for many years, but she did not strongly urge me to because of the ongoing suppression in China. But seeing my physical and mental state she had changed her mind.

I began to read Zhuan Falun, the main teaching of Falun Dafa. I felt warm whenever I read it. Gradually I had more energy, more happiness in my heart, and more laughter in my life.

My grades improved further, so did my relationship with other students. Several months later, I graduated the top student in my department and was admitted to a university in the United States.

The following summer, my mother and I did the exercises together every day, and I felt very good. I feel so glad to be studying overseas and to have the freedom to practice my belief.