Olivia Maurer

My passion for psychology stems from a deep desire to work with children and make a positive impact in their lives. Being involved in psychology clubs has allowed me to explore different aspects of the field and connect with like-minded peers. Volunteering at a children’s home has been especially rewarding, as it gives me the chance to apply what I've learned while supporting kids in need. Every interaction strengthens my commitment to understanding their unique challenges and helping them thrive. I truly believe that psychology can be a powerful tool for fostering resilience and growth in young minds.

• Basic Life Support 2017 to present
• Certified Lifeguard 2017 to present
• CPR certified 2017 to present

• National Honor Society Jr, and Sr Year (High School)
• Spanish National Honor Society Jr. and Sr. Year (High School)
• Campus Honors Program, 4 years, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• James Scholar Honors Program, 4 years, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• LAS honors program, 1 year, (just transferred), University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

• Chillicothe Community Needs Agency, Chillicothe, IL, Bell Ringer, Donation collector and promoted awareness of the agency during the holiday season.
• St. Jude, Peoria, IL, Can Shaker, Assisted in fundraising during the annual St. Jude run in Chillicothe. Also helped facilitate and guide teams and spectators at the information booth for a local baseball tournament. Additionally, helped with coordination of readiness of sporting fields to offer a smooth transition between games.
• Pearce Community Center, Chillicothe, IL, Santa Breakfast, An outreach event for the community of Chillicothe where I helped serve breakfast to children and their families during the holiday season. Spooktacular is another community event where I coordinated a game booth for children and families to enjoy during Halloween. Run for The Health of It - Directed runners during the event to their next phase of the race.
• Tri 2 Beat Multiple Sclerosis Triathlon, Chillicothe, IL, Volunteer Lifeguard, Provided safety and rescue as a certified lifeguard during the swimming portion of the race.
• Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Donation Facilitator and Bake Sale Coordinator, Organizing and facilitating the bake sale for my group and helped raised funds for the foundation.
• Illinois Valley Central High School, Chillicothe, IL, Red Cross Blood Drive, Facilitated and escorted students to the location of the drive when their appointment was scheduled. Senior Smiles - Organized and facilitated two events comprised of cheer, dance, and volleyball team members, various Nation Honor Society members, and several 1st through 3rd grade classes, where personalized letters were collected and distributed to local nursing home residents to brighten their days during the COVID pandemic, repeating its success again during the holiday season.
• Volunteer soccer Referee at Cunningham Children's home.
• Volunteer race organizer for Cunningham Children's home, known as Be a Hero 5k.
• Lab volunteer work through I-Help, UIUC.

• 2021/2022 Operation Smiles, UIUC Chapter
• 2021/2022 B.O.S.S. Bilingual Organization for SHS Students
• 2020/2021 Ambassador Program Representative for Pearce Community Center
• 2018, 2019 & 2021 Volleyball Captain, Illinois Valley Central High School
• 2017/2021 Student Council Vice President, Illinois Valley Central High School
• 2024 Women in Psychology Club, UIUC
• 2024 Pre-health Psychology Association, UIUC
• 2024 Undergraduate Psychology Organization, UIUC

• 2021/2022 Chancellor and James Scholar
• 2021/2022 UIUC Deans List
• 2020/2021 Illini Prairie Conference Scholar Athlete
• 2017/2021 High School High Honor Roll
• 2017/2018 All Conference Honorable Mention Defensive Team Volleyball
• 2018/2019 Soccer All Conference Honorable Mention