Yineng Shao

  

Volume 9 | Issue III | September 2025

Concord Academy ’26

Massachusetts, United States

  

Since I was little, I was very much drawn to the myths, legends, and philosophies of ancient Greece and Rome. I have spent years studying classical literature and languages, with my Latin journey beginning seven years ago on my own. My dedication and interest in myths and stories led to an in-depth exploration of one of the greatest epic poems of all time when I started studying Ovid. I approached Metamorphoses through meticulous Latin translation and literary analysis, and through this work, I developed a strong interest in the theme of metamorphosis and change. I examined how it appears not only in classical mythology, such as in Ovid’s Metamorphoses, but also in how the concept continues to reemerge in literature, art, and cultural narratives across history. In addition to classical studies, I participate in a wide range of creative pursuits, including visual art, creative writing, poetry, and graphic design. These disciplines are often interwoven, with classical themes and symbolic imagery informing my artistic expression. The work I do artistically reflects this same love for the classics and the ideas of antiquity. This thoughtful blend of scholarship and creativity defines my work as both intellectually rigorous and artistically expressive.