When Highlands football star Georgie Lewis set off for college in 2020, little did she know just how intense her American experience would be.
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The 20-year old has been playing and studying at Iowa's Indian Hills Community College during the past two years.
In amongst the college and sports culture of the States, she's unfortunately also witnessed one of the country's most infamous features.
"I was in a mall shooting in 2021, so that was a bit crazy," she told the Southern Highland News.
"You never think it will happen to you until it actually happens. It was definitely surreal just hearing the gunshots. My first instinct was, 'Oh, well, better start running.'
"Luckily I was at the exit so I just ran out the door.
"My coaches were right in the crossfire. It was an argument and the guy pulled out a gun and shot the other guy, shot at someone else then left and then wanted to come back inside with the gun and they got him.
"It's nice to be home in Bowral!"
On the field, life has been a little more settled for Lewis, with the former Macarthur Ram finding her feet after initially being taken aback by the competitive culture.
"It's a big mentality game over in the U.S.," she explained.
"It's very competitive. Everyone wants to be the best and show they're the best.
"When you first come in you don't know anyone and you're really unsure of how you're going to go up against these people. Yes they're your teammates but at the same time they're also the competition.
"At times my faith was a bit diminished but over time and with help from coaches seeing what I can do, that's really helped how I've felt.
"We were unbeaten for most of the year and unfortunately lost the grand final so we just missed out on going to nationals. I think I did well, definitely a lot of improvement from leaving Australia and coming to play in America. It's really fast-paced."
Having arrived as a winger, Lewis has been transformed into a versatile threat, adding centre forward and midfielder to her repertoire.
It's something that will come in handy as she moves onto a four-year college program where she'll study criminology alongside football.
"There's been a few offers," she revealed.
"Some in Illinois, one in South Dakota, Colorado, all over the place really."
Wherever she goes, Highlanders will do well to keep an eye on this promising talent's career, both on and off-field.
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