Camille L. Ruiz Videla grew up in poverty which inspired her to study biology and become a pediatric endocrinologist. She was also diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at a young age, fueling a lifelong interest in endocrinology. Additionally, studying abroad in high school was initially difficult but taught her resilience and helped her gain experience. Through overcoming these challenges, she has learned to be grateful for both positive and negative experiences, which are shaping her into the person she aims to become.

1. REVISED PERSONAL STATEMENT by Camille L. Ruiz
My name is Camille L. Ruiz Videla and I am seventeen years old. I am currently a freshman
studying Biology at UPR Cayey, for my goal is to be a pediatric endocrinologist one day. This
decision came from a few unfortunate events that happened in my past. Therefore, one of my most
valuable qualities is finding inspiration in bad experiences. In my seventeen years, I have
encountered three experiences that made me grow as a person.
Growing up in poverty was rough, but it has inspired me to be better. Neither of my parents
studied after high school, hence they are not professionals. Throughout the years we, as a family,
experienced the terrible consequences of that. Personally, I do not want my future family to grow
up as I did, so that is why I decided to study biology at Cayey, and be a doctor in the future.
Another key part in my life happened when my pediatrician diagnosed me with type one
diabetes. It was a great shock to my family, and me, but as a curious six year old, I was eager to
know more about my condition. This curiosity has not disappeared in the slightest, and as I have
gone maturing, my interest for diabetes has expanded to the entire field of endocrinology. At first,
my diagnosis seemed like a large stone in my path, but I learned that overcoming those obstacles
is what creates stories of success.
Finally, the third experience that has marked me was when I decided to study abroad. I was
fourteen years old when I applied to a boarding school specialized in math and science, and it
changed my life completely. After getting accepted, I had to sacrifice many things, for I was
moving away from home and experiencing a whole new adventure. At first, it was horrible,
because I missed home, I was being challenged to the max, and I was all alone, but after three
years I saw the reward of my sacrifice. At the end, I had gained a new family, I had gained
experience, and I was stronger than ever.
My life has not been easy, but it could have been worse. Over the years, I learned to be
grateful for each experience I went through, no matter how great or bad it was, because everything
happens for a reason. At the end, everything connects and defines me as a person. I learned that I
was a chunk of charcoal, but my experiences are helping me turn into a diamond.