Jodi Preisler has seen more of the world than your typical American.  The 31-year-old communications major at Penn State Harrisburg grew up in a military lifestyle, moving from base to base, including eight years overseas in Germany and South Korea.

Preisler learned about other cultures while living overseas, including some general perceptions that foreign countries have of the United States. “In general, Americans are not liked,” said Preisler.  “[The United States] has a military presence in so many countries, and most countries don’t want us there.”

When Preisler attended school on the American bases, she saw the hostility first-hand.  Instead of having days off school because of snow, it was more common to have classes cancelled because of a bomb threat or a protest.

Preisler credits her time overseas as having given her a different perspective on life and helped her realize just how lucky she is to be an American and have freedoms and choices that people in other countries do not have.  Some of the influences on her life are still evident today.  “I still have that urge to move every two or three years,” said Preisler.

In 1990 Preisler moved back to the United States and at the age of 18 found herself dealing with culture shock.  “I remember asking people what there was to do,” said Preisler.  “It was harder to make friends at first.”

For a while, she could not decide on a major.  After dropping out of the business program at Penn State Mon Alto, she finally settled on microbiology in 1995, and eventually moved to University Park. 

Preisler’s grades were slipping and after completing nearly three quarters of the program she left school.  She shifted her focus on marrying her fiancé Steve and starting a family.  The two had been a couple for seven years and eventually married in August 1998.

Soon after leaving school her husband started traveling often for his job.  He was on the road as much as three weeks a month.  The traveling put stress on the relationship, and the two are now separated and soon to be divorced. 

With the separation, Preisler saw the perfect opportunity to return to school.  “I had no commitments,” said Preisler.  She began attending Penn State Harrisburg in 2002 and settled on communications as a major.  Though she does not know exactly what career she will choose, she feels very comfortable with her decision.