Monika Zarzykca: A Portrait Of Diversity And Determination
One of the best aspects of the University of Houston is the diversity of its student population. Multimedia instructor Monika Zarzycka is a shining example of this diversity. Born in Kamien Pomorski in northwestern Poland, near the Baltic Sea, Monika moved to the United States seven years ago, at the age of 17. Prior to enrolling at the University of Houston, she attended Kilgore College, where she majored in Advertising/Graphic Design, and was able to obtain an Associates of Applied Sciences. She also had two years experience as a graphic designer at a Kwik Kopy printing facility. The job opened her eyes to more than just graphic design÷she also familiarized herself with the printing and bindery processes.
Her familiarity with printing enabled her to excel in the Graphic Communicatons Technology program, from which she is earning a masterâs degree. In the meantime, Ms. Zarzycka has applied her knowledge by teaching the new Multimedia class. She describes the class as, "...a great experience. Seeing students enjoy what they are learning is the biggest reward. Of course, as with every new course, there is always room for improvement. We have to keep in mind that the Multimedia course is an ever-evolving experience, especially because technology is progressing at such a rapid pace."
Making the transistion from student to instructor has been less of a challenge for Monika than one might think. She declares that being a recent student herself was an asset, since she knew what to expect in students, and was able to lecture in a manner that would be most understandable to them. When asked if standing in front of a classroom to teach for the first time was a challenge, Ms. Zarzycka answered, "Not really. It wasnât hard for me, because I like to talk. Besides, being away from Poland as a teenager and coming to a new place where I didnât know anybody left me with no choice but to communicate." To make teaching easier for herself, she enrolled in speech classes. Monika has also had the opportunity to to speak publically on several occasions. She even did some stage acting before leaving Poland! All of these experiences have aided her immensely as an instructor.
Ms. Zarzycka has made several post-graduation plans. Her first goal is to find a job training or teaching others graphic design and multimedia. She has also contemplated a doctorate in instructional technology or education. Her zeal for teaching encourages her to continue instructing at the university level. Ultimately, she would like to open her own graphic design and multimedia training business, and have offices throughout the the United States and Europe. As she carries her ambitions onward, Monika Zarzyckaâs greatest reward could come in the future, when a young student walks though the doors of one of her offices, and finds herself making the same journey toward achieving her goals that Monika herself took.