Think Stories Interview Series | Guest: Gu Amei, Founder of ThinkerPedia | Host: Vivian, ThinkerPedia Digital Content Producer

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Gu Amei

, a dedicated education researcher in Silicon Valley, has accomplished something remarkable as a content creator and self-media operator. She has successfully transformed the “Bay Area Parenting” WeChat Official account from a mere idea to a thriving community of over 10,000 followers. On top of all that, Amei also shares her expertise as a marketer at Think Academy.

During our interview, I had prepared a series of questions for Amei. However, something unexpected happened: our very first question sparked a deep and heartfelt conversation that lasted for half an hour.

The question that unfolded was none other than, “Will ThinkerPedia be replaced by AI?“

For those of you who have been following us, you might already be familiar with Think Academy‘s recent launch of the ThinkerPedia series in June 2023. ThinkerPedia covers a wide range of topics related to K-12 education, providing valuable information and resources about private schools, public school districts, sports, and arts education. Geographically, ThinkerPedia extends its reach to major metropolitan areas across the United States – from the vibrant Silicon Valley and sunny Los Angeles in California, to the bustling cities of New York, Boston, Houston, and Chicago. Interestingly, Amei played a pivotal role in conceptualizing and naming ThinkerPedia.

As the launch of ThinkerPedia approached, we found ourselves wrestling with doubts about content production. After all, AI technology has the incredible ability to swiftly gather information and generate videos, texts, and various other forms of content. Moreover, powered by big data, AI learns at an astonishing pace, outperforming human capabilities. This led us to wonder: Could AI soon replace the hard work we put into content production? Yet, at that time, we couldn’t come to a definitive conclusion.

Finally, by the end of June, ThinkerPedia was unveiled to the world. Alongside its release, we prepared physical copies of the private school and elite education white paper and hosted offline pickup events in four major metropolitan areas. During these events, we had the privilege of meeting over 700 parents, distributing over a thousand valuable resources. Once the event concluded, Amei and I sat down to reflect upon not only the past month, but also the past year and the incredible four-year journey since the establishment of Think Academy US. It was during this introspection that we found our answer.

“We won’t be replaced by AI,”

Amei declared, her voice brimming with confidence and warmth.

Intrigued by her unwavering certainty, I probed further, asking, “What makes you so sure?”

Amei settled into a swivel chair, immersing herself in silence for about ten seconds. Slowly, she spun around two or three times before responding, her words carrying an air of resoluteness. “It all comes down to our fundamental purpose. We have always wholeheartedly committed ourselves to meaningful connections with each and every parent, offering tailored and personalized guidance. We walk alongside every child and family, assisting them in finding the path that suits them best. This is something AI simply cannot replicate; it can only provide a path that ‘won’t lead to major mistakes.’“

In an effort to address any lingering doubts, I arranged a live challenge between Amei and ChatGPT.

Presenting them with a question posed by a caring parent, I first turned to ChatGPT for a response: “My daughter is four years old. She’s currently learning swimming and taekwondo. She can count from one to one hundred and engage in simple conversations in both Chinese and English. Should I apply to Harker School for her?”

Here is ChatGPT’s response:

When presented with the same question, Amei responded as follows:

“I would love to learn more about your child’s swimming and taekwondo lessons. Could you please share with me the duration of the lessons? I’m also curious to know if your child participates out of a genuine passion for these sports or if they are more focused on physical fitness. It would be wonderful to understand if they aspire to compete professionally. Additionally, I’m interested in knowing how well your child can count from ten to fifty and from fifty to one hundred, as well as their grasp of numbers beyond mere memorization. Furthermore, I’d like to clarify whether the simple conversations in Chinese and English revolve around everyday life situations or if they have an academic context. By gathering these details, I will be able to provide a more informed judgment. It is quite possible that your child may indeed be a great fit for Harker School or a similar institution.”

Upon hearing Amei’s thoughtful response, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of admiration and concern. I voiced my worry, saying, “Our answers are rooted in our experience, and we make a conscious effort to ask relevant questions. However, I can’t help but wonder if one day, AI models for school applications will be capable of asking such a multitude of questions. Parents might perceive the judgment of AI as more accurate than ours.”

Amei responded with determination, emphasizing the value of human connection. “Applicants are human, interviewers are human, and the educators in schools are human. There will always be individuals who firmly believe in the power of human interaction. While we may not be able to assist everyone, we will continue to wholeheartedly support and uplift those who choose to walk alongside us—families, parents, and students alike. Moreover,” Amei paused momentarily, sitting up with heightened conviction, “life’s journey is not about following a single, predetermined path or one filled with regrets. Many parents and children understand this. Sometimes, what they truly need is not just information but unwavering faith—a belief that guides their decision-making. This is where AI falls short. ChatGPT cannot simply respond with a ‘Yes’ or ‘No,’ but we can.“

As I reflected upon the conversations we had with parents during the distribution of the ThinkerPedia white paper, a profound sense of clarity enveloped me. “Yes, we absolutely must persevere. It is our duty to provide valuable insights and diverse perspectives to our fellow travelers, helping them discover and embrace educational and personal growth paths that are most suited to them.”

As the interview drew to a close, we put away our pen and paper, turned off the recording, and promptly set up the ThinkerPedia Instagram (@Thinker.Pedia) and WeChat Official Account @ThinkerPediaUS, along with our ongoing blog. We invite you to join us on this journey!

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