What does RISD mean to me?

I had a chat with a friend that I hadn't talked to since I came to Milan. I thought it was an insightful conversation, so I wanted to share it.


YJ

i just feel so much healthier and happier here... i think risd is poisoning in a way...
but at the same time, i miss risd a lot like A LOT
it's weired

JOO

well you do have alot of friends here!

YJ

what did you take second semester?

JOO

i did future design with peter yeadon
omg i cant believe we havent talked the whole semester

YJ

exactly...
i think it would be weired when i go back to risd

JOO

how so?

YJ

because...
i don't know, i just think i would look at it from a different perspective than before
i was just so into it that i didn't see the whole picture
but now i'm away from it that it looks different
things that felt so fresh and real don't seem like it anymore
i'm not making any sense, sorry haha

JOO

whole picture as in life at risd or your life in general?

YJ

both, but more risd in general?
or what risd means to me?
or even what risd did to me hahahaha

JOO

haha
do you value it more? or is it the other way around?

YJ

i just had time here to think things through in a distance

JOO

thatsgood

YJ

i value it more
there are so many people out there that want to be at risd and be able to speak english
but at the same time risd is not everything
one doesn't have to feel bad if he/she doesn't fit perfectly to risd, risd is just risd, it's not a standard that you should measure yourself to...



When I was at RISD, I devoted myself to RISD just like everyone else. When you go there, you get trapped in "RISD bubble" and don't really see the world outside. One would spend everyday and all day at school with other RISD people and would only be able to communicate everything that has something to do with RISD. I was so disappointed if I don't strive in it and get recognized. But now I'm away from it, I value it more in a different sense. I am so much more relaxed and less anxious and I'm learning how to keep myself from stressing out all the time. I remember what my mother has always told me: "Nothing's worth it if you don't enjoy it",
"A genius can't win one who tries his best, a person who tries his best can 't win one who enjoys what he does".

So, when I go back to RISD, I'm going to try to appreciate every moment and enjoy working hard.