Miya Zhao

Fort Mill, SC

While I was born in Brooklyn, New York, I’ve moved to quite a few places around the world. Wanting for me to be immersed in Chinese culture while I could, my parents sent me to spend the first few years of my life living with my grandparents in Fuzhou, China. Moving back to America, we chose Joplin, Missouri. Sadly and unexpectedly, an EF-5 tornado ripped through the town. Following this, we decided to move to Fort Mill, South Carolina to reunite with some family and finally try to finally settle down. I’ve lived there over the past nine years through new schools, new friends, and a pandemic (with all its ensuing antics).

Like many other ambitious mothers, my mom spent so much time finding something I could spend my time in and be “good at.” Alongside piano and dance, the drawing/painting classes were my favorite. Soon, we met Holt’s School of Fine Arts and I started cultivating my craft. I especially love capturing memories with portraiture, painting goofy characters, and creating new designs. However, the pandemic has really affected my ability to be passionate about not only my art but much else that has brought me joy in general. I could no longer go to the art classes that had so long been a constant structure in my life. Ironically, it was when I made it into the Governor’s School for Science and Math that I rediscovered my passion for art and expression. Creating something out of nothing is truly such a de-stressing and bonding experience. My teacher during the art interim even brought us to Lake City to check out a few of the galleries! For the majority of my life, art has been a source of happiness and inspiration. Although I’m not sure what I want to pursue with the craft in the future, I know for sure I want it to be an integral role.