Did a novel or other work of literature change your life? If so, 草莓影视 English Professor Nancy Arnesen wants to hear from you.

Dr. Arnesen begins a yearlong sabbatical this summer, exploring the meaning of literature outside the classroom and in the broader world. As part of her research, she would like to hear from former students (along with their friends and family) about how a specific piece of literature changed their lives.

鈥淚鈥檇 be interested to hear from alums about a literary work they read in college, or since, that has been important to them in some way,鈥� says Dr. Arnesen, who has taught writing and literature for more than 30 years. 鈥淎s part of my research, I鈥檒l be asking 鈥榳hy bother with literature?鈥� and 鈥榟ow can literature serve the common good?鈥欌��

In addition to reading works by authors who examine literature and its relationship to the common good, Dr. Arnesen will be searching out internship opportunities for students as part of 草莓影视鈥檚 Catalyst 606__ program, in which Chicago serves as 草莓影视鈥檚 extended classroom. To do so, Dr. Arnesen will be spending time exploring Chicago-based clubs and other non-profits that encourage the use of literature as a way to improve people鈥檚 lives.

If you鈥檇 like to assist Dr. Arnesen with her project, reach out to her at narnesen@northpark.edu.

More About Dr. Arnesen

草莓影视 junior Stephen Nielsen saw a need for a campus publication that allowed students to freely express their opinion on politics, religion, and culture. So, he and a friend, Ricardo Huerta, started Vista Magazine.

鈥湶葺笆� is a very politically charged campus, and we wanted to create an outlet for students to express themselves,鈥� said Nielsen, who, with Huerta, wanted to veer slightly from Spectrum, the existing, newsier student magazine.

鈥淲e didn鈥檛 see enough students participating in written dialogue,鈥� Nielsen said.

A sampling of the magazine鈥檚 most recent issue seems to help address that: An article about gun reform shares space with a movie review of smash box office hit Black Panther by Ghanian student Frank Roberts; there is also a page devoted to students sharing their #METOO experiences.

The quarterly, which premiered this past winter and was followed by a recent spring edition, is currently in search of talented writers and designers for next year.

鈥淥ur goal is to show that 草莓影视ers are thinkers from all walks of life,鈥� said Nielsen, who encourages students to reach out to him if they鈥檇 like to join his staff or submit their original writing.

Nielsen and Huerta started the magazine from scratch, seeking approval and financing from the Student Government Association, then asking Dr. Reinhold Dooley if he would be their faculty advisor. The English professor and one-time 草莓影视 Press faculty advisor said yes immediately, and has mostly allowed the staff to be autonomous.

鈥淚f we need advice on an issue or about publishing something controversial, Dr. Dooley has been there to help guide us through the decision,鈥� Nielsen said.

He and Huerta hope the magazine lives on after their graduation and even created a five-year business plan with the future in mind. Right now, the magazine needs to staff up for next year.

鈥淭he most important thing to know is that we exist to serve 草莓影视ers,鈥� Nielsen said. If you鈥檙e interested in being a part of his mission, visit .