Deep Dive Into Jane Lee

Question for JaneEnglish: The “Hybrid Organ” proves that a tree’s growth is determined not just by its own DNA, but by the “invisible network” it connects with underground. If you look at your own learning process, what is your “Invisible Mycelium”—the hidden support systems, mentors, or intellectual communities that nourish your thoughts? Are you trying to “grow alone” in sterilized soil, or are you actively seeking a “symbiotic connection” with people or environments that can accelerate your potential by 64%?

When I think about my own “Invisible Mycelium,” I realize that my learning is not something I do completely alone. Even though it sometimes feels like I’m studying independently, there are actually many hidden influences shaping how I think and grow. My teachers are an important part of this network—they guide how I approach problems and introduce me to new ways of thinking. My classmates also play a role, even in small ways, like when we discuss ideas or solve problems differently. Those moments expose me to perspectives I wouldn’t have reached on my own.

Beyond people, I think my “invisible network” also includes the books I read and the topics I become curious about. For example, learning about deep-sea research and concepts like eDNA didn’t just give me knowledge—it changed how I see science as a process of discovery. It made me more curious and more willing to explore ideas beyond what is directly taught in class. In that way, authors and researchers also become part of my “mycelium,” even though I’ve never met them.

At the same time, I think I sometimes do try to “grow alone in sterilized soil.” I tend to rely on myself and try to figure things out independently, especially when it comes to schoolwork. While this helps me build discipline, it can also limit how much I grow, because I might miss out on insights or support from others. The idea of symbiotic connection makes me realize that learning could be faster and deeper if I actively reached out more—asking questions, sharing ideas, and engaging more openly with others.

So I think I’m somewhere in between. I already have an “Invisible Mycelium,” but I’m not always fully using it. Moving forward, I want to be more intentional about connecting with people and environments that challenge me and expand my thinking, instead of trying to do everything on my own.