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Teacher’s empathy and friendship helped a lonely immigrant student integrate
  • Sabella treated Fei‑Fei as a friend, discussing books, culture, and science‑fiction, providing emotional support beyond academics.
  • This friendship mitigated the isolation typical of ESL students, fostering a sense of belonging.
  • By listening and sharing interests, he created a safe space for her to ask questions and explore ideas.
  • Such relational mentorship is crucial for immigrant youth who lack community networks.
  • Fei‑Fei credits this holistic support for her confidence to pursue audacious research questions.
Dr. Fei‑Fei LiTim Ferriss Show00:14:31

Supporting quotes

He treated me more like a friend who talks about books we love, talk about the culture, talks about science fiction. Dr. Fei‑Fei Li
He listened to me as a very, you know, I wouldn't say confused, but teenager undergoing a lot of life's turmoil in my unique circumstance. Dr. Fei‑Fei Li

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