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Figure skater to speak at graduation
By MIKE MONOSTRA
The Sun
In high school, Cherry Hill na-
tive Maria Tsakiris was a figure
skater who performed in front of
large audiences on an interna-
tional stage.
Next week, she will be in front
of a large audience again, speak-
ing in front of family and friends
at her college graduation.
A former figure skater who
competed nationally for Greece,
Tsakiris recently completed her
bachelor’s degree at Rutgers-
Camden and will be a speaker at
the college’s school of business
commencement on May 21.
An Olympic hopeful, Tsakiris
was able to compete for the Greek
national team as a dual citizen.
As she graduated from Cherry
Hill East, she hoped to continue
skating during her college career.
“The plan was actually to keep
skating,” Tsakiris said. “I wanted
to apply to schools locally and
keep training.”
However, just before she began
school in the fall of 2011, she re-
ceived a call from Greece. Be-
cause of the country’s financial
troubles, it did not have the fund-
ing to allow her to continue skat-
ing.
While the news was upsetting,
Tsakiris quickly shifted her focus
entirely on school.
“I miss the sport, but the tran-
sition was very easy because I am
a hard worker,” she said. “Once I
concentrate on something, I’m
completely focused.”
With her focus entirely on
school, Tsakiris considered a
number of possible career paths.
Her dad, who owns a granite and
marble shop, ultimately motivat-
ed her to get into business.
From there, Tsakiris took the
fast track, taking an extra course
load to finish her degree in three
years. While the extra classes
could be intimidating to some,
Tsakiris’ focus allowed her to
forge ahead.
“I am the kind of person who
takes off running and doesn’t
stop,” she said.
Tsakiris’ career prospects took
a big leap forward when she
began an internship with Mor-
gan Stanley last May. She became
acquainted with the company
through Rutgers’ business leader
development program and con-
tinues to intern there today, work-
ing with financial advisors in
wealth management. Tsakiris is
hoping to pursue a career in fi-
nancial planning.
For a time this fall, Tsakiris
was overwhelmed with classes,
her internship and a teaching as-
sistant position. It was the first
real time when she admits she
had trouble balancing the work-
load.
“Last semester in the fall was
one of the most difficult semes-
ters in my college career,” she
said.
“I had a lot of very late nights,
and if it wasn’t for my boyfriend
and my mom, I wouldn’t make it
out.”