Educator, Attorney And Humanist Fulfills His Vision As Mentor For Baltimoreans
Benton J. Komins is an educator who strives to do both. He has a B.A. with honors in Comparative Literature from Columbia University, a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from Harvard University and his law degree is from Tulane University.
He speaks English, French and German; and has taught in Turkey, South Africa, the state of Oregon and here in Baltimore. He has also practiced law in New Orleans; and is currently using both his teaching skills and his skills as an attorney as a volunteer mentor at the International Rescue Committee in Baltimore City.
What inspired you to enter your current field?
"As a committed humanist, I wish to put my skills to use helping the community. Over the past couple of years, I have assisted victims of domestic violence, homelessness and housing discrimination on a pro bono basis through my law school's outreach program."
"In Baltimore, I have been a volunteer mentor at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) for the past 2 1/2 years, assisting refugees from Myanmar in everything from learning English to explaining the legal protections against discrimination under state law and Title VII: Equal Opportunity."
How does your educational background relate to your current role with IRC?
"As a humanist, I believe we can make the world better through a theoretical exchange of ideas and critical inquiry; but, as an attorney, I deal with more practical matters, with solving real problems with real people."
How has your education helped to further your career and contribute to your success?
"An advanced education in the humanities and law has helped me to appreciate the cultures of others; to be accepting and appreciative of people with different ideas and traditions."
"A legal education has given me the tools to offer concrete examples for those new to the U.S. of what should be expected from government agencies and state institutions. This has been critical because many refugees from Myanmar have not lived in societies where there is either a rule of law or equal protection under the law."
What is some advice you can offer others looking to go into work similar to yours?
"Even if your education and training have only dealt with theoretical questions and narrowly defined issues, you can help fellow citizens with real and urgent needs by reaching out and giving of yourself. We should not always look for changes to come from the 'top down,' but use our talents, in whatever way possible, to make others' lives better."
Susan Brown originally spent many years in banking/finance before confronting her addictions. She has now been in recovery for 20 years.
Primary interests include metaphysics and energy healing in which she has several certifications. She has written for Examiner.com since 2009 and also writes for Om Times. Sue lives in Baltimore.