Tales from Sabbatical, The Prelude

January 15, 2026.

I don't know if this is a good or sustainable idea, but a student asked for it. So, here we go.

Sabbatical. No matter who claims its origin, Greek, Latin, or Hebrew, the word means "of the sabbath", or "day of rest". However, in academic terms, it is meant for time dedicated to research and renewal. As a member of the academy, it is our duty, our imperative, to walk away from our teaching, so that we may remember what it is to walk in the shoes of learners. Then, we return with our new skills, insights, etc, to share our findings with a community of students and peers. That is the purpose of sabbatical. It is not a "paid vacation."

It is a great privilege to have this time. The world has lost much of its cognizance of our fragility. Sabbatical is already affording me time to remember that each day that we wake up and fall asleep without tragedy is, indeed, a miracle that none of us "deserve". We are recipients of luck.

Therefore, my promise to myself, and to the university...especially my bomb-diggity students...that have put their faith and funds in me, is that this moment will not be squandered. Gratitude, joy, curiosity, awareness, humility, confidence, and the pursuit of the beyond will be a part of everyday.