'I Truly Found My People Here'
Student Snapshot: Zahavah Sterling ’27
Zahavah Sterling ’27 has found community and connection at Dickinson and around the world, studying abroad in Spain and Argentina during her junior year and helping build community through Jewish life and environmental initiatives on campus. As an international studies and Spanish major, she has combined her interests in language, culture, environmentalism and community engagement in experiences both close to home and abroad.
Hometown:
Fairfax, Va.
High school:
Robinson Secondary School.
Majors:
International studies and Spanish.
Clubs and organizations:
Jewish Life, Adamah on Campus, Dickinson Cheer, Trout Gallery Spanish Language Intern, Eco-Reps, Global Ambassador and International Studies Majors Committee.
Honors/scholarships/awards:
Merit scholarships, Dean’s List and Alpha Lambda Delta.
On my Dickinson experience:
Dickinson has brought me some of my best friends who I know I will be friends with for the rest of my life. I truly found my people here and I love seeing their faces around campus every day. I’m so grateful to connect with so many people from all around the world, here at Dickinson!
Best thing about my majors:
I love that I get to take so many different classes in international studies! I have taken classes across so many departments and see how they all tie together. I also love how encouraged studying abroad is!
Favorite class/learning experience:
History of the Environment with Professor Pawley is my favorite class that I’ve taken. She is so enthusiastic and caring in and outside of the classroom! Since taking her class, I find connections in so many ways and am often reminded of something I learned in it.
On studying abroad:
I studied abroad for my whole junior year, first in Spain and then in Argentina. I loved seeing my Spanish skills grow and creating lifelong friendships. Both of my host families were awesome and helped me so much!
About my internship:
While I was abroad in Mendoza, I helped with English classes at a local school that serves a vulnerable community. I loved forming connections with the students and helping them engage with language learning.
Proudest accomplishment so far:
Starting my own Adamah on Campus, a Jewish environmental organization, chapter at Dickinson during my first year and seeing its programming change and evolve as the organization grows. The Dickinson chapter was one of the first in the national organization, which now includes more than 60 chapters across universities in the United States. I feel so lucky to continue programming that brings together my love for the Earth and Jewish community.
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Published September 25, 2026