I sat with RISD alum Scott Mednick (GD ‘78) while in Los Angeles last week and became completely inspired by his personal story of development from starting as a RISD student that later connected creativity with the commercial world on his very own terms. Scott has been involved with iconic films like Jerry Maguire and Dirty Dancing, and has executive produced the uniquely beautiful 300 among many other exciting new films. Coincidentally Scott and I were in the same series of covers for UCLA Extension School.

During my conversation with Scott, I scribbled down something he said that struck me profoundly, “Don’t look for someone else’s ending in life.” Scott’s point was that you should be free and open to find your own path in life instead of sticking yourself into a pre-recorded destiny. Find your own path — I believe this is the RISD way.