Camille De Sello: A scientist in the making
* You can if you think you can
Camille De Sello
Camille de Sello, 17, admitted that she's a very shy person. But a great opportunity has opened for her, leading to a more confident and independent individual.
Sello, taking up Applied Math at the University of the Philippines in the Visayas Miag-ao Campus, and daughter of John and Mary Suzette de Sello, was the only Filipina delegate to the International Summer School of Young Physicists (ISSYP) held in Canada last July 27 to August 8, 2007.
Learn more about her and her trip in this interview:
Kathy M. Villalon (KMV): What was the basis for selecting you for the ISSYP?
Camille de Sello (CDS): My teacher recommended me based from my academic standing and I was asked to write an essay, "Why I Like Math and Physics."
KMV: What have you learned from ISSYP?
CDS: We learned a lot about Calculus and Physics. There were numerous workshops there. Every night we had peer tutorial. Also, I have improved my social skills. I used to be so shy. Now, I know how to reach out to people. A delegate from China was my buddy.
KMV: How many delegates were there?
CDS: Fifty. Twenty five came from Canada and 25 from other countries.
The Delegates from ISSYP
KMV: What were some notable observations you made during your stay there?
CDS: At the restaurant where we eat, the walls had blackboards. If an idea comes to your mind, you can write it there. In our living area, beside the sofas are blackboards filled with equations. Our mentor said not to make alterations on what was written for fear of altering a future Nobel Prize winner's idea (laughs).
KMV: What was your final presentation?
CDS: There were eight of us under one mentor. Our topic was on quantum teleportation. We talked about teleportation of cubits.
KMV: Interesting topic. It reminded me of the movie "Jumper." Can humans be teleported?
CDS: It's not possible.
Some of the Delegates from ISSYP
KMV: Okay. What was the most enjoyable part of ISSYP?
CDS: Our trip to Niagara Falls.
KMV: Would you like to live in Canada?
CDS: I have a pending application to migrate in Canada.
KMV: If ever you live there, how would your studies go?
CDS: I'll still take up Math or Physics.
KMV: What would you like to become someday?
CDS: Maybe a scientist
KMV: What keeps you occupied on your spare time?
CDS: Computer and surfing the Internet. I like to sleep and eat, too. At school, there's not much to do. When I surf, I normally visit sites needed for my school research.
KMV: Sounds like you're very dedicated to school work. Do you have a special someone who inspires you?
CDS: My boyfriend. He's my dormmate.
KMV: What occupies your thoughts most of the time?
CDS: My boyfriend, friends and after school activities.
KMV: Who would you like to become someday?
CDS: My parents. I don't idolize others because I want to make my own path.
KMV: What philosophy drives you?
CDS: You can if you think you can by Virgil.