Monika Zarzycka, M.S.
Monika Zarzycka is a full-time Graphic Communications Technology instructor at the University of Houston, Information Systems and Logistics Technology Department. She is also a seminary student at the Houston Graduate School of Theology and is enrolled in the Master of Divinity program.
Monika is originally from Poland. Since she was a little girl, Monika dreamed about being a teacher. She also hoped to make a better life for her family and herself. After communism was abolished in Poland, Monika was able to travel aboard. She made a use of the newly given “freedom.” At the ages of 14, 15, and 16, she traveled to different countries, such as Germany, France, Holland, and Great Britain. She was fascinated with their cultures and learned two languages, English and German. Actually, Monika visited England three times during summer to study English. Then, at the age of 17, with her parent’s consent, Monika decided to come to the United States.
When Monika first came to Kilgore, Texas, she did not know anyone, but that did not stop her from pursuing her dreams. Thankfully, she was placed with an extraordinary host-family, C.J. and Martha Fertitta, who quickly noticed Monika’s artistic abilities. The Fertitta’s owned a Kwik Kopy Printing shop, where Monika was first “exposed” to graphic design. Monika was fascinated with visual design, and after graduating high school, she enrolled in the Advertising/ Graphic Design program at the Kilgore College. She also did a two-year internship at the Kwik Kopy Printing. After obtaining an Associate of Applied Science in 1999, Monika decided to continue her education at the University of Houston. Others noticed her passion for graphic design and for teaching, and upon transferring to the University of Houston, Monika received a Texas Printing Education Foundation scholarship.
In August of 2001, Monika graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Technology Leadership and Supervision and a minor in Graphic Communications Technology. During her undergraduate studies Monika expressed great interest in teaching graphic design and was offered a teaching fellowship for continuing her graduate studies at the University of Houston. Monika gratefully accepted the offer and taught several courses during her graduate studies. In August of 2003, Monika graduated with a Master of Science in Training and Development. After graduation Monika worked as a freelance designer. She was involved in a variety of projects, including web design, logo and advertising design, online training, and multimedia presentations. She also worked as an adjunct instructor for the University of Houston. In July of 2005 Monika was asked to assume a full-time position at the University of Houston, the Information Systems and Logistics Technology Department, which she gladly accepted.
In her personal life, Monika is an active member of the Vineyard church, where she helps lead a bible study group. She is fascinated with theology and ministry. Since fall of 2004 Monika has been enrolled at the Houston Graduate School of Theology, in the Master of Divinity program. On October 24, 2005 Monika was ordained as a Protestant minister.
In the future, Monika is hoping to teach graphic design, preach on the weekends, and obtain a doctorate degree.