Emmanuel Camacho
Hometown: Chicago, IL
University: University of Illinois
Major: Media and Cinema Studies
BIOGRAPHY
My name is Emmanuel Camacho. I am the youngest of 4. I have two sisters, Paulina, and Anelle. And a brother, Orlando. I can truly say that I love my brother and sisters for providing me with inspiration, support, knowledge, and best friends. My mother, Rosa, and father, Jose, came from Queretaro, Mexico to live in Chicago. I grew up with a lot of my family that also came to Chicago. I have always felt my family very close knit. Since a very young age I have always been very active and involved in sports. I grew up loving and playing basketball and football. I played football from a very young age through high school, and even won a championship in 8th grade. I continue to very active playing basketball, soccer, and cycling. At a young age I was given the opportunity to attend high school while in grade school. I attended Morgan Park High School on the south side of Chicago. I later transferred to Whitney Young Magnet High School. As a result of my opportunity, I was able to finish high school my Junior year. I arrived at the University of Illinois young and uncertain of what I wanted to study. Now I am in my last semester of school working on a Bachelors in Media and Cinema Studies, and minor in Anthropology, very excited for the future.
PERSONAL STATEMENT
In my life cancer has never directly affected my immediate family, but it has affected my extended family. Some of my close friends have dealt with cancer more closely and I have seen their experience and pain. My mother is a nurse and helps people infected by HIV/AIDS. In my life, I have learned much about AIDS and how it affects those infected. Much like cancer, AIDS drastically changes the lives of those affected by the disease. I think it is important to help those that are in need of help. My parents have always inspired me to help others, and instilled the idea that if I am capable to help others, then I should do the best to do so.