Junyi Wang’s latest project, Boarding School Syndrome-Survival Guide, takes an unflinching look at the psychological impact of boarding schools. Through a combination of documentary photography and academic research, Wang addresses the lasting effects that institutionalization can have on individuals who pass through these environments. It’s a deeply personal project for Wang, who herself has grown up observing the struggles of boarding school survivors since the age of 13.
The project, presented as a photography book, is both visually compelling and conceptually rich. Wang’s background in Creative Direction and Design for Art Direction at the University of the Arts London is evident in her carefully curated images. The photographs—spanning both digital and film—capture moments of isolation, camaraderie, and the emotional weight that comes with life in a boarding school. These images are not merely about aesthetics; they tell a story of survival and resilience.
What sets Wang’s work apart is her ability to combine these evocative visuals with a deep dive into academic literature. She touches on themes from attachment theory, trauma, and developmental psychology to better understand how boarding schools affect mental health. By examining institutional dynamics, social isolation, and familial estrangement, Wang offers an insightful analysis of what’s often considered a privileged upbringing. The real privilege, her work suggests, comes not from attending these institutions, but from surviving them emotionally intact.
The most moving part of Wang’s project is the firsthand accounts she presents through interviews, surveys, and case studies. These personal narratives give voice to those who have been shaped—often scarred—by their boarding school experience. The work serves as both a warning and a call for change. Wang advocates for systemic reforms within boarding schools to prioritize emotional well-being and inclusivity. By integrating trauma-informed therapy, support groups, and family interventions, she envisions a framework that could help survivors heal.
The “Survival Guide” goes beyond photography. It’s an urgent exploration of a rarely discussed issue in public discourse, despite the many who have been affected. The final takeaway is not just about raising awareness—it’s about inspiring action. Through her art, Junyi Wang pushes us to reconsider the price of an elite education and the invisible scars it can leave behind.
