Mr. Sokolowski: Latin

Usually our “New Teachers” section only includes faculty members who have come to Nazareth this school year, but we’ve decided to include Mr. Sokolowski, our awesome Latin teacher. Mr. Sokolowski joined the Naz family last spring but was only in the building a few days before quarantine started. Get to know more about him below!

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

I actually never wanted to originally. My mom was a teacher, and I respected her for it, and she was a well-regarded teacher in our neighborhood. But I actually wanted to be an actor or a writer. However, my first professional job was working in admissions at the Prep, and I realized that I had a real gift for connecting with young people. I felt like I didn’t see enough teachers who saw the value in trying to connect with young people in a meaningful way. So I wanted to utilize that gift to make an impact on students’ lives. As for Latin, I actually kind of stumbled into that. I earned a degree in Classical Studies in college, with a focus in Latin language. A one year position opened up for teaching Latin at the Prep, and I jumped at it, eager to fuel that desire to be a teacher. Got that job, and never looked back. I love the language, and I love teaching!

How did you get to Nazareth?

After the Prep I found myself at another school that really challenged my love for teaching. I decided to move on from that position because it was becoming a physical drain on me and my mental health. However, I quickly found a substitute teaching job at Roman Catholic that really put the fire back into me and reinvigorated my passion. Then of course as the ultimate sign from God or the universe, I got a call about a sudden opening at Nazareth. I was hired on my birthday… 4 days before quarantine. I have loved every second of my adventure at Nazareth so far, and I really feel like I’ve found a place to call home. It’s a special feeling. I’d just like to… ya know… have the whole apocalypse thing stop so we can actually be in the building.

What’s your favorite food?

Steak. I love to cook, and I love a nice, medium-rare, well-seared steak, with a side of mashed potatoes, some veggie, and a thick, savory sauce.

What’s your dream destination?

The Shire- aka New Zealand. I’m the biggest Lord of the Rings nerd on the planet and will fight anyone who challenges me. It has been a dream of mine to go to New Zealand and visit all of the shooting locations- especially the Shire.

Besides teaching, what kept you busy over quarantine?

I actually wrote a musical with a friend of mine! I’m so excited about it! It’s a big musical comedy based on the ancient Sumerian text “The Epic of Gilgamesh.” I’m really proud of the script I’ve written and I love the music my collaborator has come up with so far. I hope it’s a riot. It’s called “The Epic (Adventures) of Gilgamesh (and Enkidu).”

Share a fun fact about yourself.

This is where a lot of people clam up, but I LOVE fun facts. A few:

1. I’m a huge fan of Ariana Grande music. Her first two albums “Yours Truly” and “My Everything” are AMAZING
2. I was in the first 10 minutes of the M. Night Shyamalan movie “The Happening.” I have my own shot, but no lines. It’s on Wikipedia’s list of worst films of all-time.
3. I play Dungeons and Dragons all the time with a lot of friends.

I am a HUGE theatre nerd.

A big thanks to Mr. Sokolowski for allowing me to interview him and for all he does for his students! I speak on behalf of the entire school when I say that we are excited to have him at Nazareth!

This article originally appeared in the October 2020 edition of The Nazareth, Volume XCIII, No. 1.