My name is Camille Custodio, and I come from the pearl of Southeast Asia, The Philippine Islands. I was born in Iba, Zambales and raised in Quezon City, Manila. The Philippines is divided into three main regions, Luzon, Vizayas and Mindanao. I grew up in Luzon which is where the city’s heart lies. One of the best things living in the Philippines is how simple and laid-back it is there. I love how the people love life there even on stressful days. I enjoy walking around the hot sunny weather, and eating street food after school.
One of the best things about being a Filipino is the never-ending parties. Filipino parties are the best things ever. The Philippines is known to be a Catholic nation; having said that, we have “fiestas” to commemorate our patron saints. Also we celebrate Christmas and New Year a little differently than in the U.S. Our Christmas traditions are inherited from our Spanish roots while our New Year’s rituals come from our Chinese descent. Overall, Filipino parties never go without karaoke, dancing, and of course the delicious food.
I came to the U.S. last April 2013 to be with my mom, my dad, and my two younger sisters. At first, I did not really want to come because I did not want to leave my grandparents, my family, and friends behind. I was really terrified. One could say I was not the type of person who was ready for change and as I stepped out of the airplane, I knew things were not going to be the same.
I chose to go to SPC because in the beginning I wanted to become a nurse. I always loved math and science back in high school, so I just decided to pursue a degree that involves two of the things that I love. My parents did not want me to go to a University just yet because they were worried about me having a major culture shock. SPC, however, gave me a really good feel of what it is like to be an American student. SPC offered me a lot of opportunities. I got involved in clubs such as the International Club, Student Government Association and High Achievers Club. I was also able to experience educational trips such as the Tri-Beta Honors Biology Camping trip and Florida Model Legislature. I also met a small Filipino community on campus, and it made me feel like I am close to home.
SPC has influenced me so much since I first started in the Spring of 2014. The people here are very inspiring. From the academic advisers, to the instructors, along with my peers, I came to the point where I felt like this is what home feels like. SPC gave me a better knowledge of who I am and what I wanted to be. SPC values their students, and I guess that’s what inspired me to plan out something bigger than my original plan. After all, I decided to change my degree from Nursing to Biology, and am working towards a future in medicine.
In five years, I see myself in my last two years of medical school. I want to become a Gynecologist with a sub-specialty as an Obstetrician. SPC is giving me a great start towards my goals!
Written by: Camille Custodio