Stephanie Aseraph

At Towson University, Stephanie Aseraph had the full college experience, living on campus and forging lasting friendships. At the same time, she was able to stay in close proximity to her family and easily visit them on weekends and holidays.

“I have strong ties to my family and to the Jewish community in the Baltimore-Washington area and abroad,” says Aseraph, a first-generation American and first-generation college graduate whose family is from Israel.

After completing her bachelor’s program with honors, TU provided the opportunity for her to leverage those ties. “The master’s program in Jewish Education and Communal Service is perfectly aligned with my roots and my long-term goals,” says Aseraph, who may choose to live in Israel after graduation. “It’s a degree that gives me flexibility whether I live in the United States or abroad, and gives me the opportunity to work with organizations that assist Jewish families and children at risk.”

Aseraph, who speaks Hebrew — what she calls her “first language”— at home with her parents, says, “I am so grateful that I can read and write in Hebrew and English.” Those skills were critical during her recent travels to Israel, specifically Ashkelon, the sister city of The Associated in Baltimore and in her current internship with the Center for Jewish Education. 

“ The master’s program in Jewish Education and Communal Service is perfectly aligned with my roots and my long-term goals. ”

Aseraph also has helped students in religious education classes and worked independently as a tutor for members of the Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. “My experiences helped affirm that I am in the right field working with children,” she says.  

As an intern for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Chesapeake, she facilitated a program at a Baltimore County elementary school that pairs employees from local companies with students. “It is a great way for employees to give back to the children in their community.”