Ann Lundgren worked for many years as a lawyer, but her desire to work with people, and not just sit behind a desk, grew stronger and stronger. Today, she teaches criminal law at Umeå University, a job she loves.
Ann Lundgren educates both lawyers and police officers at Umeå University.
ImageMattias PetterssonAnn Lundgren worked for many years as a lawyer in a government agency. She felt more and more that, rather than sitting at a desk, she wanted to work with people. Her mother worked as a teacher, training nurses, and enjoyed her work very much, so Ann thought teaching might suit her, too. Ann applied to the Department of Law, and she was hired. After ten years there, she says that almost every day on the job has been fun.
Ann initially taught in many areas of law, but for some time she has taught only criminal law. The students studying criminal law include students in the Law Programme and the Police Education, and professionals studying at the Police Education's continuing professional development for preliminary investigation supervisors and civil crime investigators.
"I can honestly say that I truly love my job! The best part is doubtless all the amazing, nice, talented, smart and highly motivated young people whom I get to meet every day in the Law Programme and Police Education," says Ann.
Ann also finds it very satisfying and enjoyable to see how students, slowly but surely, learn her subject. Contributing to that knowledge, even if the students themselves do most of the work of learning, feels like an awesome responsibility.
"In a larger perspective, it feels very big and important that I get to share their journey towards a profession where they will make a difference in other people's lives in various ways," Ann says.
Ann explains that the mix of people at work here makes Umeå University special. The mix of students, teachers, researchers, administrators and service staff makes for a stimulating and constantly changing working environment. Ann explains that every day offers a chance to learn something new.
"The atmosphere at Umeå University is an accurate reflection of Umeå as a city, in my opinion: warm, inclusive, forward-looking and creative,” says Ann.
The most important part of teaching, says Ann, is creating a relaxed, warm and permissive atmosphere, whether in a lecture hall with over a hundred students, or in a small classroom with a smaller group.
"I try to create this kind of atmosphere by poking fun at myself. This is partly to make the students laugh, and partly to make them understand that I don't take myself too seriously," she says.
In Ann's world, there are no stupid questions. She wants her students to always dare to ask questions, and dare to "take an idea for a test drive", as she says.
"For me, a positive and respectful learning environment, where curiosity is permitted and encouraged, rather than shame and blame, is an obvious way to make students feel safe and relaxed. It is also better for acquiring knowledge than an environment where students feel nervous and fear making mistakes," says Ann.
Ann hopes that students will always look forward to classes with her. She wants students to feel that they are having fun while learning a relatively complex subject.
What advice would you give to someone considering starting university?
"Absolutely don’t hesitate, just put your foot on the gas if you've found a programme that appeals to you! Be open to meeting new people who will hopefully enrich your life long after your studies are over. Have fun while learning a lot of new things, be a good friend to your fellow students, celebrate your progress and learn from any mistakes,” says Ann.