Yanxi JIN – Accepted to Rhode Island School of Design ( RISD ). After three years at SPASH, starting from Grade 10, Yanxi is now heading to the Rhode Island School of Design, one of the top art and design schools in the world, to pursue Industrial Design.
From SPASH to RISD: Yanxi’s Journey in Art and Ambition
Yanxi JI knew exactly what she was working toward. “Every day, every hour, every year,” she shared. “It was intense, but I had a goal, and I stayed focused.”
“If you’re serious about going to an art college, RISD is probably your top option. And it’s right next to Brown University, so you can even take classes there. My dad suggested I take a few finance courses, just to manage my finances.”
Yanxi’s portfolio was deeply personal including the titles and artist statement. She wanted to show how she sees the world, her growth, and how she solves problems. She focused on fine art, writing detailed reflections for each piece to express her thoughts and creativity.
Though she began learning art in Grade 4, Yanxi didn’t fully commit to it until high school. “I moved to St. Paul because I wanted to go to RISD,” she said. “The school helped me build a solid foundation in both academics and art.”
She still remembers how it felt to recieve acceptance letter. “I had just woken up and saw the letter, but my brain wasn’t fully awake yet. I went to school and got busy with Art Day, but when I talked to my teachers during lunch, that’s when it hit me. I had done it.”
The biggest challenge was balancing schoolwork and her portfolio. “Both take so much time. In the beginning, I was staying up until midnight. It definitely affected my health. Eventually, I had to prioritize my portfolio and then manage my APs.”
Yanxi is grateful for all the support she received. “Ms. Leon guided me every step on how to write about my work, make it logical, and even helped me feel less nervous after I got in. Mr. Gus helped me navigate the application process, which was confusing at first. And I want to give a big shoutout to all the teachers who supported me and wrote my recommendation letters: Ms. Oshida, Ms. Leon, and Ms. Alicia Drapkin.”
Looking ahead, she’s also planning to pursue a master’s degree, and maybe even explore more in computer science ( Her favorite subject in SPASH ). In the end, she wanted to offer some advice to younger students: “Start your portfolio as soon as possible. Don’t wait until you’re staying up every night. And ask for help, your teachers are always willing to support you.”
