Initially eyeing a secure path in biology, Mengyao’s trajectory shifted entirely when a campus art exhibition reawakened her true passion for illustration. Now headed to RISD, she defines the ultimate "slash youth"—celebrating victories as both a campus music festival champion and a girls’ basketball MVP. Mengyao conquered a grueling application season by balancing rigorous portfolio development, sports training, and volunteering through meticulous time management, humorously noting that she occasionally "sacrificed sleep." Authenticity drove her journey, as she advises future peers: "When choosing your path, the very first thing to consider is what you truly love."