Beyond the Jersey: International Students Day, Georgia
Penn State Schuylkill Athletics celebrates International Students Day by recognizing student-athlete Georgia Dressler, a cheerleader from Palestine. Her journey reflects pride in her culture and gratitude for the welcoming community she’s found here.
Born and raised in Palestine, Georgia loves sharing a taste of her home with others. "I love sharing my love for Palestinian food with everyone I know," she said. Food, for her, is not just about flavor but about connection, culture, and community.
When reflecting on the differences between education in Palestine and the U.S., Georgia notes that college life here feels much more relaxed. "When I was in Palestine, I went to a Muslim/Catholic school, so everything is so much more relaxed here," she shared. "My personal favorite difference is my teachers' ability to speak English and communicate easily with me."
While Georgia didn't cheer in Palestine, she has fully embraced the experience at Penn State Schuylkill. "I was not a cheerleader in Palestine, and I didn't actually hear much about cheerleading," she said. "It's been fun learning something new and being part of a team that brings so much spirit and energy to campus."
If she could bring one piece of her culture to Penn State Schuylkill, Georgia would share her language. "I would bring the Arabic language to Penn State Schuylkill," she said, proud of her heritage and the beauty of her native tongue.
Georgia's transition to life in the U.S. has been full of support and belonging. "Coming here, I thought it would be hard to find community, but I was pleasantly proven wrong," she said. "Everyone here is so welcoming to new people, and I felt at home right away."