Alumni Check-in: Julie Lin (Class of 2022)

Q. Where do you live now? Why? What are you doing?

A: I am currently in a transitional period as I prepare to move from Chicago, US, to London, UK. Having recently completed my undergraduate degree at the School of the Art Institute Chicago, I am now waiting for my graduate program to begin in September at Sotheby’s Institute London.

During this time, I have been catching up on books and movies that I did not have time for over the past few years. I am also writing short essays on topics that interest me, which may develop into future research ideas. In addition, I have been working on a few illustrations and comics.

Q. What are the biggest differences between there and Kaohsiung? What’s the biggest similarities?

A: I would say that Chicago is a much colder city—not just in terms of the weather, but also in its overall atmosphere. It’s a busy place where everyone seems to have a lot going on, yet there’s also a certain comfort in the freedom to be whoever you want without anyone batting an eye.

Of course, there are far fewer food options compared to Kaohsiung, but that’s to be expected.

Q. What does a typical day look like for you?

A: When I have class, my typical routine starts with a morning coffee, followed by long studio classes and visits to museums or galleries. After class, I usually spend time working on projects and papers. Hanging out with my roommates is also a big part of my routine: we cook together and pick something to watch or listen to while sharing what happened in class.

On my free days, I either relax in my room reading books or watching shows, go to the movie theater, or visit galleries to see new exhibitions. Since now I’m in between degrees, I have a lot more time to travel to different cities or countries to visit my friends.

Q. What's one thing you miss most about Taiwan?

A: I definitely miss the casualness of everyday life. In art schools, people tend to dress to the nines even for a simple lecture. It’s fun in its own way, but it also takes a lot of effort.

I also miss bubble tea.

Q. What advice would you give to the HS students?

A: Don’t be afraid to make changes. If something isn’t what you expected, you don’t have to stick with it. The way you view your decisions will change over the years, and if something you once chose no longer feels right, there’s no shame in changing direction. At the same time, don’t regret having made that choice in the first place. The decision itself wasn’t wrong, it may simply mean that there is something else out there that suits you better.

I went through three different schools and three different programs for my undergrad. It might not be conventional, but I don’t regret it one bit. The whole experience just prepared me more and gave me a chance to really understand what I want for my future.

Q. Did your KAS experience prepare you for life after HS?

A: It has, and I would say the IB program played a huge part in it. At the time, it was difficult, and I didn’t always understand why I had to study so many subjects that might not seem useful in the future. Looking back now, though, I appreciate the experience much more. In many ways, it felt like going through college-level assignments early on, so essay assignments in college no longer feel as daunting.

Q. What are you looking forward to most in the next five years?

A: I am so excited for my graduate program. College was a fun time to explore, and now as I truly understand what I wish to study, I am looking forward to really focusing on topics that I’m passionate about.