Oracle Online

For Professor of Political Science Erika Alin, rejuvenation came in unifying the intellectual with the pleasurable from a recent sabbatical in Sweden. In Sweden, she researched historical correspondences of Swedish residents from their American immigrant family members. She found that immigrants tend to glorify the new country they have moved to in an attempt to justify their choice to move.

Through her research, Alin said she feels that she has become renewed and refreshed and feels more satisfied in her profession. “Most struggle to combine teaching and what interests us,” said Alin.

Sabbaticals, which are granted by the Dean, can only be taken every six years. When asked if she felt if it was important for professors to take time on sabbatical, Alin enthusiastically said “yes”.

Alin said a professor’s work is not only teaching, but also scholarship. Sabbaticals allow professors to perform in both arenas. Time away from the classroom indulging in the curiosities of their field allows them to make wonderful advances in their research.

These advances can be brought back to the classroom, allowing students the unique opportunity of being taught cutting edge material, while additionally allowing professors to teach material they are directly invested and interested in.

As many students return to campus from their summer vacations renewed and refreshed, Alin returns in much the same way. She said she intends to continue her research at the Minnesota Historical Society while beginning another academic year.