Camila Macedo, winner of the 2025 Irene Naismith Mathematics Award pictured to the right of Campbell Naismith at Crawford High School.
Response of Camila Macedo to Scholarship Winner Questionnaire
- Growing up in a first generation household, I didn’t know any English in elementary. However, I found mathematics to be a universal language everyone can understand because of the different equations and formulas. Because of this, I always excelled in mathematics courses and would impress my teachers with my knowledge and determination to always understand the concepts. Within high school, I tried my hardest to make mathematics fun for everyone even if they claimed they were not good at the subject. By using fun ways to teach mathematics to my peers I was able to help them raise their grades in pre calculus and AP calculus while tutoring them.
- Thanks to the rigorous courses I took within Crawford such as Honors Pre-calculus and AP calculus AB/BC, I feel prepared to challenge myself at UCSD for the next four years that are to come. These courses have taught me the discipline and knowledge I need to apply within my time as a university student. Although I know the journey to graduate as an engineering major will be difficult, I’m prepared to challenge myself like I have in mathematics.
- I would suggest always pushing yourself to reach your goals. If I didn’t have the support and motivation of my teachers I would’ve never been able to achieve these accomplishments. Although it can be scary to take those leaps of faith sometimes, keep in mind you always have the support and love from your teachers, classmates, and family who are cheering you on through any challenges you face.
