Columbia's Ellisor Earns Honors Medallion

Her honors project was titled "The Impact of Home Life on Academic and Athletic Performance."  The goal was to gain a deeper understanding of how family support, responsibilities, and stress can impact both academics and life for a student participating in athletics at college. Ellisor conducted 13 various surveys on student-athletes gauging their opinions on a healthy balance between family life and school life and the role that home life plays in shaping the academic and athletic trajectories of college students.

 

She concluded, "Students who experience consistent support, open communication, and stable home environments are better positioned to thrive both in the classroom and in athletics. However, on the other hand, students that are navigating stress at home, limited resources, or strained family relationships often must manage dual burdens that directly affect motivation, focus, physical readiness, and overall well-being."

 

Ellisor is a senior long-distance swimmer, mostly in the freestyle and some breaststroke while she will also be making her debut as a lacrosse player this coming spring with the Koalas. She has also volunteered her time working in the athletic department as a camera operator as well.

 

Ellisor, a native of Columbia and Spring Valley High School, is double majoring in Psychology and Behavioral Science and her plans after college include achieving her Master's in Trauma-Informed Education at Columbia.

 

She then plans to "either work for the FBI in behavior analysis or become a social worker in a hospital for kids with special needs," Ellisor commented.