Summer 2024 has been an incredibly busy time for me, packed with learning and exciting new experiences. Beyond attending two summer camps, I also took on the challenge of organizing yet another STEM Day event in collaboration with a local tech company. This year’s theme centered around the rapidly advancing field of Artificial Intelligence, and it ended up being one of the most exciting events I’ve ever been part of.
We explored a wide range of topics, from using large language models (LLMs) with Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) to create more accurate and context-aware responses, to more hands-on applications like teaching AI how to draw and even take notes. One of the most fascinating concepts we explored was computer vision—how machines can be trained to “see” the world through images and make sense of them. These cutting-edge topics were both mind-blowing and surprisingly accessible, making the event a great success. It was an exhilarating opportunity to delve into these technologies that are shaping the future.
Even at home, the discussions didn’t stop. My younger brother, who is still in middle school, was inspired by everything he learned. As soon as he came home after STEM Day, he eagerly asked ChatGPT, “You are very smart, are you planning to escape from my computer?” It made me laugh because it was such a classic case of Hollywood’s science fiction influencing how we think about AI. He’s clearly been watching too many sci-fi movies, but it’s moments like these that highlight just how fascinating and sometimes humorous the field of AI can be.
Overall, this summer has been a whirlwind of new discoveries, and while it has been incredibly busy, it’s also been one of the most rewarding seasons I’ve had in a long time.
