Meet the Author: Amanda Tessler

Hi! My name is Amanda Tessler and I am a first-year Admissions Counselor here at Drexel. I grew up in Central Jersey (yes, it exists!), where I spent summers at Point Pleasant and Great Adventure, and where my "city" was New York City. I never imagined living anywhere else, much less Philadelphia. 

I found myself in South Jersey for college, where Philly was more than the Liberty Bell, and the Eagles were more than a football team; they were a lifestyle. I fell in love with the Philadelphia area, and decided not to leave. 

I graduated in 2016 with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and because I love school, finished my master's degree in Higher Education Administration in 2018. I love being a student in the classroom — if Webster's Dictionary had a picture of "life-long learner" in it, you'd see a picture of me. Even though it's only been a year since I finished graduate school, I'm already starting classes again over the summer. I think my family and friends are convinced I'll be in school forever; they think I'm a bit crazy.

I always knew that I wanted to be an educator, but when teaching ended up not being for me, I stumbled upon higher education and randomly found a love for admissions. Every day I get to do something different, whether it be traveling, giving presentations, or running around campus, but — most importantly — communicating with students and families. I'm so lucky to have a job where I get to meet new people every day and be the person to change a student's life. 

I never thought I would work in a big city, but now, I can't imagine working anywhere else. Joining the Drexel community has been one of the best experiences and opportunities I have ever had. From the moment I stepped on campus, I knew that Drexel was where I was meant to be; I got the same feeling of "home" that I had when I first visited my alma mater. 

Although I've been living in South Jersey since 2012, I will forever say "sprinkles," "Italian ice," and "subs." I'm also still not sure what "jawn" means. I guess I'm not a true South Jersey/Philly girl, but the Eagles have found their place in my heart.