Rita Hayworth and Shawshank redemption- book journal

Title: Hope for Hope

     It was a gloomy day when I started reading the first story of <Different Seasons> written by Stephen King, 'Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption'. Rain was pouring and striking the window while I was feeling lonely and exhausted in my bedroom. To be frank with, I opened book not because I wanted to read the book, but I had to change my mood. Although the introduction part of the story wasn't humorous enough to make me feel better, the main theme that I found in the story was quite interesting and positive.
     Usually, prison  is the place which represents pain, misfortune and failure. However, the author caught my eye and changed my view toward prison by putting a dynamic character into the prison, Andy. Actually, Red and his friends somewhat gave up hope in prison and adapted to the life in that place. On the other hand, Andy had hope. Especially in the movie, Andy tells that hope may be the best one between all existing things. Andy always tried for new things and diligently worked. Eventually, he got out of prison. Still in this case, Andy 'earned' the freedom by his own effort. In my opinion, Andy was more emphasized because his mind and active behaviors affected surrounding people including Red and his friends. I was somewhat shocked that hope can be influential not only in ordinary life but also in desperate and tragic lives. I felt very happy when Red took the way to meet Andy because I thought Red could find better life and enjoyable freedom by living with Andy.
     On top of that, I pondered about what is the meaning of 'being institutionalized'. Even though this phrase is used and highlighted term in the movie, I could find the form of 'institutionalization' also in the book. While I felt sad when the characters in the book tend to be 'institutionalized', I compared myself with them, who is studying hard in Korea Minjok Leadership Academy. Although the school and the prison is clearly different, I found myself being 'institutionalized'. For instance, I was justifying my awful grades since someday. It is true that lots of students in here are smart and excellent, but I always tried cover up my bad scores because of that reason until now.  I was quite embarrassed and sorry for my parents, who always support and cheer me up. I pledged to do my best in every single mission in KMLA and pursue what I really want to achieve, not being 'institutionalized'.
     Lastly, I desired for freedom when I was reading the story. Frankly, I often feel heavy and uncomfortable in the school because of stress related to academic things and relationship between people. I really need short period of time with real freedom, the situation without any hardships or worries and do whatever I want.  I felt catharsis when Andy escaped from Shawshank and I dreamed myself getting out of this stress.
     To sum up, <Rita Hayworth and Shawshank redemption> was the story that made me to think mainly about three things; hope, institutionalization, freedom. I started to hope the 'hope' which will help me in here relieving my pain and difficulties through this story. Thanks to Stephen King and Andy.