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The Book

"The Worlds I See"starstruck_fiu.png

As a teenager, Fei-Fei immigrated to the United States from China with her family and settled into a one-bedroom apartment in New Jersey. With little English proficiency and financial insecurity, she helped her family by working in their dry-cleaning shop while adjusting to her new school in an unfamiliar country. Despite the challenges, her curiosity and drive carried her throughout high school and led her to an acceptance letter to Princeton for her undergraduate studies and later Caltech for her Ph.D., launching a career that would shape the future of artificial intelligence.

In The Worlds I See, Fei-Fei reflects on her journey from an immigrant student to a pioneer AI researcher, often referred to as the “Godmother of AI." Along the way, she recounts caring for her mother through serious illness, and dealing with abrupt hospital visits, discrimination, and underrepresentation in STEM. From creating ImageNet to collaborating with national policy makers to ensure an ethical approach to AI, she shows how science and humanity are deeply intertwined.  

First-year students, many of whom are facing their transitions and uncertainties, can draw inspiration from Fei-Fei's story as they begin this new chapter of their lives. Whether one is passionate about technology, social change, or simply finding their place in a new environment, Fei- Fei's story encourages readers to embrace challenges, appreciate diversity, and imagine the kind of future they want to help build. 

 

Book Selection

The Common Reading Committee has faculty, staff and student representation. After a number of books were recommended, several books were carefully reviewed and discussed. Before making a final determination, the committee members considered a variety of factors including interest, cost, readability, length and applicability to our student population. All university community members are encouraged to make a suggestion for next year’s program.

Usage in Class

The First Year Experience Seminar course has incorporated the common reading book into its curriculum. Students will be tested on material from the common reading book, and they will also write a paper related to the book and their own transition to college. Professors of other courses may choose to incorporate the book into their curriculum and/or classroom discussions.