When we delve into the realm of history, our thoughts naturally steer toward pivotal events and iconic figures; we often overlook the treasure trove of personal histories that we carry within ourselves. These untold stories of personal growth can be every bit as inspiring — as grand narratives and the legends that grace the pages of books. Tracy Lai, a history instructor with nearly four decades of experience at Seattle Central College, is a living testament to the interconnectedness of history and humanity.
The Power of Education
Born and raised in San Francisco, California, Lai has always seen schools as doors to new opportunities. She completed her undergraduate degree in Third World Women’s Literature at Brown University and the University of California, Berkeley. There, she became involved in the Asian American studies program and worked as a tutor. Her journey continued with a Multicultural Studies master’s program at the University of Washington, where she became a teaching assistant, fostering her passion for education. She says schools “can be such a great place for people to grow, develop, and explore. I guess you could say I haven’t left, still growing.”
The Teacher As Curator
Fresh out of graduate school, Lai stepped into teaching at Seattle Central as an adjunct instructor in 1984; she started teaching only 25% of a class. Lai’s first task was to teach a section of the History of American Minorities, a course where classes were taught by instructors knowledgeable about the experiences they represented. For Lai, that meant delving into Asian American history. After eight years of dedication, in 1992, she became a full-time instructor in the college, cementing her place as an essential figure in Seattle Central’s educational landscape.
As a dedicated full-time history instructor, Lai’s primary responsibilities involve teaching three five-credit courses each quarter. While her teaching…
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