Low self esteem in Asian Teenager.?

I have an Asian-American friend who is a really great person. She is smart, has a great sense of humor, is nice, Etc. and is the most amazing artist I have ever met, but she has such a negative view of the world. She is pursuing Pre-Med instead of art despite her amazing talent, (Which is actually understandable) but she believes that she is worthless unless she accomplishes extra high grades or great monetary success. She actually said to me "My art is the only reason i should be allowed to live." Is this because of her upbringing? How can I help her to see the good in her self and increase her self worth?