International Student Reflects on Trailblazing College Experience at UWG Share this page
University of West Georgia international student Giulia Pucharelli arrived in Carrollton with one goal in mind: create an impact filled with ambition and spirit. Today, she cheers on one of the most decorated college cheer programs in the nation, leads as vice president of the Richards College of Business Management Club and gains real-world experience at the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce – she has since earned a bachelor’s degree in business management in the spring 2026 undergraduate ceremony and has graduate school in the works.
Her path to business was an intentional choice – one rooted in her love for people and possibility.
“What sparked my interest in pursuing business as a major was realizing how diverse and impactful the field truly is,” Pucharelli said. “There are so many paths you can take, from strategy and marketing to finance and entrepreneurship. I especially love the networking side of business. Connecting with people who have built their own companies or become CEOs of big organizations, hearing their stories and learning from their experiences really excites me.”
That combination of endless opportunities and meaningful connections continues to drive her forward each semester. Choosing UWG as her academic home was a purposeful decision – Pucharelli was initially drawn to the university’s welcoming environment, business program and the opportunity to grow within a supportive community.
“My Brazilian background has shaped my experiences in many positive ways. It has given me a different perspective on group projects and class discussions, especially when we talk about international markets or cultural differences,” she stated. “I’ve also learned to be adaptable and resilient – moving to a new country, adjusting to a new culture and studying in English has taught me valuable life skills.”
Pucharelli also found joy in cultural exchange, sharing Brazilian food, music and festivals with friends. While adjusting life in a small American town was a challenge, she notes that the warmth of the community made the transition far easier than she anticipated. One of these being the UWG coed cheerleading team, who holds 40 UCA College National Championships.
“What truly inspired me to join [the cheerleading team] was the outstanding reputation and incredibly high standard the program is known for,” she said. “It’s not just about winning – it’s about becoming a better athlete and a stronger person. Being on the team has taught me discipline, resilience and the true meaning of teamwork. I’ve learned how to stay motivated for my team and be there for them day in and day out, pushing through long practices, trusting each other under pressure and celebrating every success together.”
Pucharelli sees a direct line between her cheer experience and her professional future – confidence, accountability and the ability to perform under pressure are skills that translate far beyond the mat. Because of this, she has been able to perform these skills into her internship at the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce. Recommended by a professor of hers, Pucharelli has gained hands-on experience in how the chamber of commerce supports local businesses, organizes networking events and conducts member outreach to economic development.
“I’ve improved my professional communication and event planning skills while working alongside experienced professionals,” she said. “The connections I’m making here in Carroll County are especially valuable.”
She views the internship as a bridge between the classroom and the career she’s building – providing practical experience in networking, relationship building and business operations that no lecture can replicate.
Rhyne Owenby, president and CEO of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, also believes that the internship serves as a great tool of experience and has noted on how much Pucharelli has grown.
“Internships are an important way to connect our business community with the next generation of leaders,” Owenby said. “Giulia has been a wonderful addition to the team. She quickly became a valued member, and we are excited to watch her continue to grow.”
Afterwards, Pucharelli plans on earning an MBA and pursuing a career in business development or marketing, ideally with a company that values international perspectives. Her long-term goal is to grow within a U.S.-based organization or move to Europe, where she believes her Brazilian roots and multilingual abilities will be an asset.
“What excites me the most about life after school is finally being able to apply everything I’ve learned – from business classes and my Chamber internship to the discipline and teamwork I’ve developed on the cheerleading team,” she said. “The idea of turning knowledge into action and continuing to grow both personally and professionally is what motivates me the most.”
For students who arrive on campus feeling displaced or uncertain, Pucharelli’s message is simple and personal because she knows the feeling well.
“My first two years in college were hard until I found my place and my people here,” she said. “Everything feels different: the culture, the food, the way people communicate, even the size of my town. It’s completely normal to feel out of place at the beginning. What helped me the most was getting involved and getting out of [my] comfort zone to meet people. Be patient with yourself, get involved in something you enjoy – a sport, a club or a job – and don’t be afraid to reach out.”