First and Second Chapters: elements of America that fascinated Changez

• How Princeton University selects foreign students: “we international students were sourced from around the globe, sifted not only by well-honed standardized tests but painstakingly customized evaluation – interviews, essays, recommendations -  until the best and the brightest of us had been identified.”

• The sort of “agreement” between the international students who are given a scholarship and America, that highlights meritocracy: “ Students like me were given visas and scholarships, complete financial aid, mind you, and invited into the ranks of meritocracy. In return we were expected to contribute our talents to your society, the society we were joining. And for the most part, we were happy to do so.”

• How American people (Jim, Erica) see, perceive and enhance his diversity.