STUDENT Spotlight

Mariah and Eliza Blasko, sisters from the Youngstown area, will walk across the stage together this May as they both graduate from Youngstown State University’s social work program – Mariah with her master’s and Eliza with her bachelor’s.

Having grown up in a family with ties to YSU, the sisters said the university felt like a natural choice. “We’d always go to tailgates growing up,” Mariah said. “Back then, I thought, ‘Being a Penguin would be fun.’”

The two have experienced their college years together in a way few siblings do, sharing friend groups and supporting each other both personally and academically. “Anytime Eliza has a new class, she asks me about it – what the professor’s like, help with assignments,” Mariah said. “It’s been kind of like doing the same thing at the same time.”

Eliza echoed that sentiment. “Mariah really inspired me to go into social work. She’s helped me a lot, especially with assignments and understanding the work.”

Mariah has spent much of her time interning and working at Alta Behavioral Healthcare, where she currently serves as an outpatient therapist and participates in school-based suicide prevention education. Eliza is wrapping up her internship with The Village Network, working at a girls’ residential home in Salem. After graduation, she’ll begin a new role as an assistant at the school serving those same patients.

Both credited mentors at YSU and in the field with helping shape their journey. Mariah pointed to Sarah Macovitz, adjunct faculty at YSU, as a guiding influence during both her undergraduate and graduate studies. Eliza cited Emily Sutton, adjunct faculty at YSU as well, as a key mentor who also served as her internship supervisor and capstone professor.

Looking back on their time at YSU, the sisters said it was the small moments – football games, campus events and long talks after tough days — that stand out most.

“I think it’s really special we get to share this memory,” Eliza said. “I’m proud of her, and I really look up to her.” Mariah agreed. “Being able to graduate together is something really cool that we’ll always have.”

Both sisters emphasized the importance of self-care and patience for current and future students following a similar path. “Be kind to yourself,” Mariah said. “We’re doing difficult work, and sometimes we forget how important it is to take care of our own well-being.”

“You don’t have to have it all figured out. What matters is being open to change and growth,” Eliza added.

Mariah and Eliza Blasko will graduate with the Bitonte College of Health and Human Services 5:30 p.m., Friday, May 2.