13/08/2021

OBMEP medalist wins scholarship to study in the USA.

Crédito: Arquivo Pessoal

Five-time winner of the OBMEP (Brazilian Mathematics Olympiad for Public Schools), Camille Simões de Castro, a student at Colégio Pedro II in Rio de Janeiro, has won a 90% scholarship to attend her second year of high school in the United States. The 17-year-old began her studies at La Lumiere School in Indiana this week.

Camille participated in the first edition of OBMEP in 2016, when she won the bronze medal. “ In the first year of elementary school, I started participating in the school's math competitions, and in the third year, I won my first medal. My interest in mathematics has always existed; I liked being challenged through the Olympiads, and I believe there is mathematics in everything,” the student explains. Upon entering Colégio Pedro II in the sixth grade, she learned about OBMEP and was awarded for the first time.

In the following years, she won two silver medals, one bronze medal, and an honorable mention. As a result, she was accepted into the Junior Scientific Initiation Program (PIC), which aims to provide medalists with exposure to mathematical issues and expand their scientific knowledge for future professional and academic careers. “ Participating in the Olympiads challenged and motivated me to use my knowledge and creativity to engage with mathematics outside the classroom. And it was also through the OBMEP that I joined the PIC, a program that taught me a lot and allowed me to meet other young people who are also passionate about mathematics,” says Camille.

With all the knowledge acquired at school and in competitions, the young woman applied to several schools in the United States. “In the midst of the pandemic, I discovered 'boarding schools,' which are boarding schools that select their students through a process that evaluates grades, extracurricular activities, interviews, and essays. I was accepted into several schools, but La Lumiere School provided me with almost a 90% scholarship, making my dream possible.” The expectation is that Camille will be able to maintain the scholarship for the next school year to complete her High School education in the USA.

Camille's parents, Carla Simões and Carlos Castro, speak proudly of their daughter's achievements, who has always been encouraged to go further in her studies. “We are parents committed to her education, we always encourage Camille to participate in extracurricular activities, seeing this as a bonus, so that she has the opportunity to live new experiences. She is our pride; all her achievements are due to her own merit, effort, and dedication. And without a doubt, participation in OBMEP and PIC made all the difference in Camille's academic life,” reveals Carla.

After her studies in the United States, the student plans to pursue a degree in computer science and software engineering. “I intend to apply to universities in Brazil and abroad. When I think about the future, I think about growth. I want to evolve and become a better version of myself.”