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Student Profile: Shoshana Kroll – Master of Arts in Jewish Studies and Certificate in Jewish Education
Shoshana Kroll, a graduate student in the Gratz Online MAJS program, takes seriously the rabbinic dictum that learning and teaching go hand in hand. After all, that’s why the St. Petersburg, Florida resident enrolled in the Gratz Online M.A. program in Jewish Studies in the first place. The path to Jewish learning for this married mother of four began after the birth of her daughter Montana, now 13. Shoshana became active in her synagogue, signed up for adult education classes and started teaching at the synagogue’s religious school. In the process, her love of Judaism and Jewish education continued to grow. One thing led to another: More adult education classes, an adult bat mitzvah and devotion to teaching Jewish children. “I was very frustrated with the lack of adult education classes in our area,” says Shoshana. “I am passionate about Jewish education and there was really nowhere left for me to go but the university system.” Her dream: to earn a master’s degree in either Jewish Education or Jewish Studies. But no such program existed in the Tampa Bay area. Given family, business and community commitments, out-of-town study was simply not an option. “I think it is critical for Jewish communities everywhere to have competent teachers available to teach those who never had the opportunity to learn or who simply want to learn more,” she says. While searching for an online program in Jewish studies, she mentioned her plans to a friend. Coincidentally, her friend knew someone studying in the Gratz College Online Graduate Program in Jewish Studies. “God was definitely in on this discussion and I am convinced that Gratz was supposed to be my academic destination,” she says. A major attraction of the Gratz College Online program was the opportunity to interact with fellow students and professors on a regular basis. Because there is no campus residency requirement, she can complete the 36-credit M.A. degree program all in the convenience of home, without disrupting her personal life. Shoshana gives Gratz College high marks. She loves the highly supportive and excellent professors, fascinating classes, stimulating forum discussions, ongoing communication with distance learning staff, and flexibility towards the needs of adult learners and work-life issues. “For so many years I wanted to learn and there was no one in my community to teach me. Now I will learn so that I can teach anyone who would like to come to a class and learn. I feel truly blessed to have an opportunity to study at Gratz,” she says. |
Residence: St. Petersburg, Florida