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Elli Shmunis

1x

Finalist

Bio

From a young age, I found myself drawn to roles where I could support and uplift others, but I didn’t yet have a title to define my future. In high school, I spent my lunch period tutoring peers in math and English and realized how rewarding it was to help others learn and build confidence. I worked part-time as a physical therapy aide, discovering my interest in medicine and rehabilitation. I spent my weekends playing hockey and volunteering at the local ice rink. These experiences showed me how emotional support and human connection directly impact well-being, leading me to study Psychology. I am currently pursuing double degrees in Psychology and Business Management, and I hope to pursue higher education in clinical psychology to become a licensed professional for youth. My goal is to improve access to early mental health support, especially for children from low-income and underserved communities who often struggle to receive the care they need. Outside of academics, hockey has been one of the biggest parts of my life. Playing on my university’s women’s hockey team has taught me leadership, resilience, and teamwork. I also enjoy reading and spending time involved in research as a psychology research assistant, where I contribute to developmental psychology projects and learn more about how research can create meaningful change. Whether I am supporting patients at work, mentoring teammates, volunteering with young athletes, or contributing to research, I bring compassion, dedication, and empathy into everything I do.

Education

University of Maryland-College Park

Bachelor's degree program
2024 - 2028
  • Majors:
    • Psychology, General
  • GPA:
    4

University of Maryland-College Park

Bachelor's degree program
2024 - 2028
  • Majors:
    • Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
  • GPA:
    4

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Mental Health Care

    • Dream career goals:

      Clinical Psychologist

    • Social Media and Events Coordinator

      UMD Women's Ice Hockey
      2025 – 20261 year
    • Director of Fundraising

      UMD Women's Ice Hockey
      2026 – Present7 months
    • Physical Therapy Rehab Aide - (assist patients with exercises, support clinical operations, and facilitate a supportive and positive environment for recovering patients)

      Pivot Athletico Physical Therapy
      2024 – Present2 years

    Sports

    Ice Hockey

    Varsity
    2010 – Present16 years

    Awards

    • USA Hockey National Camp Selectee 2021&2023

    Research

    • Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services

      UMD — Research Assistant
      2025 – Present

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Montgomery Cheetahs — Hockey Mentor
      2023 – Present

    Future Interests

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship