Finding Greatness: Zachary Komlo
Author: News Bureau
Posted: Tuesday, September 8, 2015 2:20 PM
Categories:
School of Education | School of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Macon, GA
Full name: Zachary Marshall Komlo.
Age: 26.
Hometown: Born in Rome, N.Y. "However, I was a military child that lived throughout the United States".
Residence: Silver Spring, Md., outside of Washington, D.C.
High School: Northside High School in Warner Robins snd Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda, Md.
Family: USAF Maj. (retired) Robert Komlo; mother, Kathryn Komlo, sister, Rachel Komlo; fiancee, Morgan Lyon.
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in History, secondary education track, Class of 2012. Later earned a Master of Science in Education from UGA.
Current Employment: Modern World History and AP Psychology teacher at Phelps A.C.E. Senior High School in Washington D.C.
Career: "I hope to pursue a Ph.D. and continue my work to create a more equitable educational experience for all students. I want to continue my career wherever I am most effective (i.e., in the classroom, administration, or in a policy-making position)."
He chose Middle Georgia State because … "There are a myriad of reasons. The convenience of picking classes that aligned with my schedule enabled me to work a full-time job and continue my education at a full-time status. Professors at MGA were always accommodating. Peers and trusted mentors throughout the Middle Georgia area vouched for the institution’s exceptional faculty. Furthermore, when talking with students of MGA and with former teachers in Middle Georgia schools, I was consistently told of the exceptional high level education and the high quality graduates it produces. This praise was validated throughout my time earning my degree."
The one thing that surprised him about Middle Georgia State was … "The rigorous class experience and high standards. That is not to say that I had low expectations; however, I was constantly assessed and held accountable to a high standard that allowed me to improve at a rate that I was not accustomed to. The professors in the history and education departments were unwavering in their expectations for me and my peers. Even today, I look at my early papers and assignments to see how much progress I have made. The preparation I received at MGA allowed for a greater ease when studying at UGA for my MED."
His favorite professor was … "Dr. Elise Langan. In the beginning, she was a professor who was a bit of a thorn in my side. She never gives out an easy A and would never give me a grade I did not deserve. That being said, her criticism was always constructive and never unrealistic. I firmly believe that I have achieved at the level I have because of her mentorship, critiques and always helpful advice. She is definitely not an easy professor, but anyone who has the opportunity to take her classes should. There is no doubt in my mind that anyone who listens to her advice will succeed, not only at MGA, but throughout their education and careers."
One thing people don’t know about him is … "I used to work for a non-emergency ambulance service. My time on the ambulance allowed me to talk with many people from around the state of Georgia. During the sometimes very long trips, I had the opportunity to speak with people about their personal histories. I heard many fascinating accounts about a myriad of subjects that ranged from World War II to the Macon music scene of the '50s and '60s. These conversations allowed me to see Georgia in a personal way and appreciate the richness of the area."
The one person he'd most like to meet is … "Karl Marx. This is a man who has arguably had the most indirect impact on the world for the past 150 years. I would love to discuss how continental philosophers and politicians have analyzed his works and how he feels about the current globalized status of the planet."
Five years from now he sees himself ... "Enrolled in a Ph.D. program. I am not sure exactly what I will focus my studies on, but I know that the experiences from MGA, UGA, and new career will foster new ideas and scholarship."
Photo: Zachary Komlo with MGA prof Dr. Elise Langan.