Yanki (Luk Ka) Yan

Yanki Luk Yan has been developing her sense of style since she was a child.

Brought up in Hong Kong, she studied art at school and always had a creative bent. When her parents suggested she study abroad a couple of years ago she jumped at the chance, knowing it would be a great opportunity to develop her flair for fashion.

A high school student at the time, Yanki studied design and art at Pakuranga College for 18 months. Her efforts landed her second prize in the school fashion show. After graduating she was keen to pursue her fashion studies but felt she needed to improve her English and learn the basics of art and design first in order to lay a strong foundation for her future.

The One Year Certificate of Arts and Design (Foundation) offered by Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design in conjunction with FERN English Academy was the perfect starting block.

"I studied in FERN from the beginning of February 06 for 19 weeks and spent the rest of the year based at Whitecliffe," says 19 year old Yanki.

"It was a great year. My English improved a great deal at FERN - especially my speaking - and I made so many friends. I didn't used to have much of a social life and stayed at home a lot but once I started at FERN I started going to parties all the time and having heaps of fun!

"Being at Whitecliffe has been fantastic too. I really like the atmosphere here. It's very small and friendly; the tutors are great and have taught me so many new skills."

As part of her foundation course Yanki put together an impressive portfolio of drawings, paintings and design works. This portfolio supported her application into the Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree at Whitecliffe where she is now majoring in Fashion Design.

Thanks to the Whitecliffe/FERN bridging programme, this budding young fashionista has an exciting, inspiring career to look forward to. For Yanki, it's been a stepping stone to a dynamic new future.