Jessica Smith, a senior in the M.A. program, is currently studying at PTS with future plans of earning her doctorate in Ancient Near Eastern/Semitic Studies. She comes to the Seminary with a military background. During her tenure in the Army, she served as a signals intelligence analyst and a Spanish/Portuguese linguist.  Prior to joining the Army, Jessica was accepted into Pittsburgh Seminary. However, due to life circumstances, she opted to postpone her studies in religion and instead focus on her language studies. After being medically retired from the Army, she decided to revive her old dream and attend seminary.

Jessica came to Pittsburgh Seminary with an interest in New Testament and Early Christianity studies. However, after taking a course on Deuteronomy with Dr. James Durlesser, biblical languages adjunct faculty member, she quickly realized that her true interest was in the ancient Near East and the Hebrew Bible. Jessica is particularly interested in goddess worship and household religions in the ancient Near East in general and in the Hebrew Bible in particular.

As a student, Jessica is grateful for her work with Dr. Durlesser in Semitic studies and believes it will undoubtedly aid her in her future endeavors. Additionally, she is grateful for the Seminary’s nationally recognized Barbour Library, the Kelso Museum of Near Eastern Archaeology, as well as the world class faculty. “I take great comfort in the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth,” Jessica says. “PTS has helped me to better understand his message.”

Written August 2012 

Jessica Smith, a senior in the M.A. program, is currently studying at PTS with future plans of earning her doctorate in Ancient Near Eastern/Semitic Studies. She comes to the Seminary with a military background. During her tenure in the Army, she served as a signals intelligence analyst and a Spanish/Portuguese linguist.  Prior to joining the Army, Jessica was accepted into Pittsburgh Seminary. However, due to life circumstances, she opted to postpone her studies in religion and instead focus on her language studies. After being medically retired from the Army, she decided to revive her old dream and attend seminary.

Jessica came to Pittsburgh Seminary with an interest in New Testament and Early Christianity studies. However, after taking a course on Deuteronomy with Dr. James Durlesser, biblical languages adjunct faculty member, she quickly realized that her true interest was in the ancient Near East and the Hebrew Bible. Jessica is particularly interested in goddess worship and household religions in the ancient Near East in general and in the Hebrew Bible in particular.

As a student, Jessica is grateful for her work with Dr. Durlesser in Semitic studies and believes it will undoubtedly aid her in her future endeavors. Additionally, she is grateful for the Seminary’s nationally recognized Barbour Library, the Kelso Museum of Near Eastern Archaeology, as well as the world class faculty. “I take great comfort in the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth,” Jessica says. “PTS has helped me to better understand his message.”

Written August 2012