personal statements
I specialize in helping Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPoC), first generation students, and people who identify with systemically oppressed groups write clear, inspired and impactful personal statements.
I can teach you how to:
choose meaningful, unique contentthread your past, present and future togetherspecify your invaluable skillsconstruct a distinct structure for your storyclarify your purposebuild confidence in your writing voicecultivate integrity and authenticity in your narrativemeet your deadlines with ease
“ Camila is an exceptional writing coach and mentor.
Before starting my writing journey with her, I struggled to choose topics for my Statement of Purpose. During our zoom meetings, Camila provided me with a safe space to confidently share memorable moments in my life. These exercises gave me the confidence boost I needed to craft a paper that truly captured my story. I am now entering my first year of my master's program feeling brave and unstoppable in my writing! Thank you, Camila, for supporting me with grammar, transitions and alleviating my fear of writing! P.s. I got into the program that was my top choice. Gracias, Camila! ”
S.N. // Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology, University of Colorado Boulder
I serve
MD, JD, MA, MFA, Fullbright, PhD, MSN, fellowship, undergraduate applications and beyond.
I offer 1-1 coaching, small group coaching, and larger group workshops.
As people from resilient communities, we tend to normalize our stories as "typical" or unexceptional. I can help you emphasize both the personal and communal aspects of your experiences in service of your infinite value and vision. Our stories are connected, but each of us has a unique perspective and set of experiences worthy of being honored. All parts of you are welcome in the writing process.
“ Camila’s support and guidance helped transform my personal statement.
Even though the first version wasn’t “bad”, it lacked in the conveying of emotions that I have felt throughout my journey and it is the emotions which have been so pivotal in pushing me through the most difficult portions of my journey.
Camila’s style of guiding you through your thinking process is so unique. Her ability to listen to your words and push you to get the truest words out is key to your personal statement remaining your own. Camila prompts you to reflect on a statement and really examine whether it is as powerful as your story and journey. Every session with Camila felt like I became a better storyteller of my journey. I truly think that my personal statement was the icing of my medical school application and now I am a first year medical student at my top choice UCLA through PRIME-LA! Camila played a critical role in the development of a personal statement that was true to myself, my community, and my journey. I plan on utilizing Camila as a resource again when I apply into residency. I am thankful that Camila does this work and understands the journey of POC in academia and in the larger context of society <3. ”
D.J. // MD, UCLA School of Medicine, UCLA
My Approach
is rooted in collaboration, compassion and honesty. I am not here to guarantee you admissions. I am here to holistically support your writing journey so that you can express yourself in a way that is empowering, deep, and truthful to who you are. People often ask me, “what do I have to do to get in?”
My answer is simple: tell the truth.
My role is to listen to you, to help you identify the parts of your background that support your goals most directly, and to contribute to your understanding of how you got to be where you are, and most excitingly, where you would like to go.
I often support people with grounding exercises, free writing activities, several brainstorming tools, and endless questions that cultivate clarity and specificity throughout the writing process.
Personal statements can be intimidating. How often do we practice the act of deep personal self reflection that needs to be written in a formal way that is also super consequential to our immediate and long term futures?! Yea, it is okay to feel stressed and pressed about the process. Application writing is not casual and can potentially bring up feelings, memories, and experiences that we’re not accustomed to addressing in formal settings.
This process is personal and I honor my role as a writing guide with the utmost respect and care for you as a person and your story. You ultimately have the agency to decide what you say and how you say it, always.
Think of me as part wizard of words, part mirror for you to reflect upon, and part hype woman.
Our sessions will hopefully include laughter, perhaps a bit of crying, and always some fun! This writing process gets to be multilayered, fulfilling and yes, even, enjoyable!
My goal is that at the end of your writing process, when you read your words one last time and then press that submit button, you are fully satisfied with how you’re expressing the most important parts of yourself. There are few things more gratifying than dropping the mic knowing that you gave it your all. I hope to be there when you do.
“ I worked with Camila to craft a strong graduate school application - including personal statements, scholarship essays, and resumes.
I entered this process with little to no plan for what I wanted to convey in my application, let alone a clear statement around how I was going to leverage the degree to satisfy my future vision. I believed that I was a competent writer, but lacked the confidence and strength in voice around why I was a worthy applicant.
I previously worked with essay tutors for the college application process, but none were as compassionate, personable, and invested in me as a person as Camila was. Because of her human-centered approach, I thoroughly enjoyed this writing process and working with her.
Camila created an encouraging and safe space for me to be vulnerable; the trust and strength in our relationship was equally reflected in the strength of my application. I entered this experience only expecting writing services, but quickly realized that her coaching abilities were just as vital. I have greater self-confidence in my writing, self, and, most importantly, my value as an individual because of my work with her. ”
C.L. // Master of International Affairs, Columbia University
Let’s Get Started
I offer 20 minute no-cost, no-pressure connection calls where you can ask me any questions, share about your needs and see if we are a good fit!