StoryCorps: Stanley Chang and Xi Xi ’17 discuss Chang's Passion for Mathematics and His Methods for Getting Students Excited About Math

Our Monday Daily Shot StoryCorps series, which is devoted to sharing conversations about Wellesley's effect on the lives of its students and alumnae, continues today with a conversation between mathematics professor Stanley Chang and student Xi Xi '17, a math major, about Chang's innovative teaching methods.

Xi asked, "So what is your favorite math class to teach here?"

"...Math 305 [Abstract Algebra], it's a beautiful course," Chang responded.

"305 was my favorite," Xi said, "cause it was almost like writing a philosophy paper, where you have to write down like premises, then you come to a conclusion..."

"The language of Abstract Algebra is so delicate," Chang said, "And...I love teaching the very subtleties of notation."

Listen to an excerpt of their conversation.

This conversation, and other stories representing a rich mix of anecdotes, insights and memories, will be preserved for future generations to serve as a lasting record about the women of Wellesley. The stories will be posted to the Campaign microsite and added to Wellesley’s archives. StoryCorps, known as "America's oral history project," will also add these Wellesley stories to the national archive at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress.

Alumnae are invited to record their own stories by using the StoryCorps app. Or, alumnae may add their voice by submitting their written stories directly to the Campaign website.