A Lifelong Love for Learning: Finding Comfort and Growth in Books and AI

Looking through an old stack of photos, I stumbled upon a picture of my elementary school self, holding up an award for one of the best articles submitted to the local newspaper. I still remember that rush of pride at seeing my words in print for the first time. Even as I grew older, into middle school, the essay portions of my Chinese exams always felt like a gift—a moment of free writing that was exhilarating, a chance to say something uniquely mine.

Around that time, my parents gave us a set of 100 children’s books, a collection meant to last us the entire summer. That summer stands out; it was when my dad was in the hospital, and reading became our lifeline—a slice of escape and joy in the midst of some hard days. Books weren’t just entertainment; they were a way to explore other worlds, feel less alone, and find something steady when everything else felt uncertain. Later, in middle school, I gravitated toward romance novels and psychological thrillers. I even tried my hand at writing my own romantic stories back then, loving the freedom to create lives and experiences beyond my own. Books were where I turned to make sense of questions I couldn’t answer anywhere else.

By high school, though, reading changed. We were buried under textbooks and prep materials, all pushing us toward a “good” university or an international program. Reading became about achievement, not enjoyment, and for a long time, that spark I felt for books faded.

Then, a few years back, a 美国雷鸟商学院 student named Casey R. Sutton, MBA introduced me to Audible in a quick elevator exchange (he might not even remember it!). I’d always loved the feeling of a book in my hands, of highlighting passages as I read, but audiobooks brought reading back to me in a whole new way. The freedom to listen while I drove, walked the dog, or even folded laundry—it was a small joy that reignited my love for stories, a love I’d almost forgotten.

Now, I read close to 100 books a year—hard copies, e-books, and audiobooks. And yes, even though Steve Gemmiti insists that listening doesn’t count as “real” reading, I see it all as part of the experience.

Recently, I used ChatGPT to analyze the books I’ve rated five stars, and it ranked my top three genres:

• Memoir & Autobiography: Know My Name, Born a Crime, I’m Glad My Mom Died, Becoming, The Ride of a Lifetime
• Psychological Fiction: A Little Life, Verity, The Silent Patient, My Dark Vanessa
• Personal Development & Self-Help: Atomic Habits, The Psychology of Money, Radical Candor, 10% Happier

Curious, I asked ChatGPT to describe me based on my favorite genres, and its response was almost like looking in a mirror:

From the depth and diversity of your favorite genres, you seem to be someone who values growth—both in yourself and in your understanding of the human experience. Drawn to memoirs and autobiographies, you connect with stories of resilience and identity, while your interest in psychological fiction reflects a curiosity about the mind and relationships. Your love for self-help shows a commitment to becoming the best version of yourself. You bring empathy, curiosity, and a sense of purpose to everything you read—and likely to everyone you meet.

I went further, narrowing down the five keywords ChatGPT identified across my favorite books:

• Resilience
• Identity
• Growth
• Connection
• Empowerment

Finally, I even explored potential thesis topics, and here’s what it came up with:

1. "Harnessing AI for Adaptive Leadership: How Artificial Intelligence Can Enhance Resilience in Business Leaders"
2. “AI and Authentic Leadership: Leveraging Machine Learning to Foster Trust and Connection in the Workplace"
3. "Empowering Teams through AI-Driven Personal Development: Using Artificial Intelligence to Promote Growth and Empowerment in the Workplace"

So here I am, picking back up writing and reading with the help of AI, diving even deeper into the stories that shape us and the knowledge that stretches us. With endless custom book recommendations and tools to explore ideas in ways I never imagined, the experience has become more rewarding, even soothing.

I’m also grateful for my family and friends who are readers; they inspire me to read more, explore new genres, and keep that curiosity alive. And whenever we’re traveling, finding Little Free Libraries has become a fun game—a little treasure hunt that adds a special joy to each trip. And a special thank you to my husband for embracing AI as much as I do—it’s become a shared conversation and an unexpected bond, sparking a sense of curiosity and growth in both of us.

It’s not just reading a book anymore; it’s an invitation to immerse myself in new worlds, to learn and grow, with a deep sense of gratitude for the privilege of continuing this journey. In a world that often feels heavy, I could easily spend my days focused on what’s wrong, but instead, I choose to keep reading, exploring, and learning. It’s the best medicine I know.

What about you? How have books, technology, or new tools influenced your personal or professional journey? I’d love to hear your stories and recommendations!

Grace O'Sullivan Amber L. Alison Chien Ted Leopold Ghazal Khorshidi Danish O'Habib, MBA