Alumni Check-in: Ruby Chen (Class of 2025)

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

A: US, Rhode Island, Providence! Yes, the Family Guy state! I'm studying art at the Rhode Island School of Design, planning on majoring in graphic design (or textile, i'm too indecisive, ugh) in sophomore year. I’m currently in RISD’s freshman foundational study, which is known to be hell… which is not wrong. The workload is crazy, but for me it’s manageable and fun since I’m doing what I love!!!!

Look at these beautiful pics of Providence 

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

A: Providence is small, quiet, and chill, kinda like Kaohsiung. (Actually, it’s uncannily similar to the UK, so if you like the depressing, romantic vibe England gives off, come here.) Most things are within walking distance like Taiwan.

The mall is 15 minutes away and there’s Spencer’s, Hot Topic, Zumiez. so hell yeah. But be ready to be broke because stuff here is hella expensive (cheaper compared to Boston or NYC but still). Another difference I hate is how the legal drinking age and cigarette purchasing age is 21, which is so annoying if u planning on getting that full college freshman experience.

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

A: Wake up, get ready, eat at The Met (the cafeteria of my school, it’s so peak omg. I don’t eat out because The Met is THAT good. it’s deadass like Michelin restaurant level among school canteens. If you love food and art, def come to risd). Then I have my EIGHT HOUR studio (lunch in between). After that, dinner, then homework till like 3 am, then sleep. On days without studio, I have literature and art history, which are way shorter. So I usually spend the rest of the day thrifting around Providence, enjoying some alone time, or hanging out with friends.

Q. What's one thing you miss most about being a high school student?

A: Being irresponsible, lol. Being a college student means you are the only one responsible for your actions. I also miss having friends who already knew me. When you enter a new environment, it takes a long time to form friendships, and even longer for people to really know you. Sometimes I miss having a group of friends who watched me grow up.

Q. What's the biggest lesson you’ve learned in the "real world" that you wish you knew while you were in high school?

A: never limit yourself to one cliquey group, meet new people! Even after orientation! Being in college and meeting people from so many cultures made me realize that high school friend groups are really just a bunch of lonely people trying to find belonging. Forcing yourself into a group just because you don’t want to feel alone actually makes you feel more lonely. It’s okay to be alone.

It’s okay to have just one friend, or to float among different groups, or to eat alone. Alone time is so precious to me now, I finally get to reflect in ways I want to. I wish I had known earlier that the “sense of belonging” I was chasing wasn’t that important, and I probably won’t ever find it in the way I imagined and that’s okay.

Q. What advice would you give to your high school self?

A: Stop trying to please everyone. You don’t need everyone to like you. Just be yourself and the right people will come to you naturally.

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

A: Freshman year honestly feels a lot like high school so far, so… Ig? There are still cliques and drama. My advice would be put just yourself out there. Don’t limit yourself to one group. Meet new people, learn new things, and don’t surround yourself with people who annoy you. Be straightforward and don’t be cliquey.

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

A: I’m SOoooo excited to finally start my major. I went to the major open studios a few days ago, and it looked soooo fun. I’m also excited to move into one of the Hill Houses or a suite with my friends so we can cook for each other and pretend we’re a little family. Awww.

Q. Anything else?

A: For incoming college students: party hard (especially during orientation week, the adrenaline fades fast, and the workload hits even faster) and work hard! You CAN balance both! You might be a little sleep deprived tho but who cares (okay don't listen to me i'm a horrible influencer). College is super fun tho!!! Also omg, freshman 15 is real I gained so much weight since I got here .Oh and just in case DO NOT go into a mosh pit. Speaking from experience, that overweight middle-aged man will try to murder you with his fist.