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Politics, International Relations and History Personal Statement

My decision to study a politics related course at university comes from a long term interest in this dynamic subject. The way domestic and global politics fluctuate, change and directly affect people's lives fascinates me. The parameters are so broad I continually find new aspects of it that interest me so I wish to further my knowledge. I have pursued my interest in politics in a variety of ways. In 2003/2004 I sat as a member of Wycombe Youth Council and took part in the rotary 'Youth Speaks' competition where I spoke on the topic of the 'Disunited states of Europe'. In 2005 I became a student representative for my tutorial group, liaising between the students and college. I also attended the European Youth Parliament competition and a Model United Nations in Genoa, Italy in 2006 where I won a commendation for best resolution. I particularly enjoyed this and found it helped widen my views on international politics. With college I entered a mock parliament competition, taking part in a debate on the issue of Trident renewal. In 2006 I helped with the local council elections in Bedford, helping on polling day at the polling station, knocking on doors and being involved with the vote count itself. Aspects of my politics course that have interested me include the study of international political organisations and the impact they have. For example the European Union and its effect on domestic policy. I found Young's 'This Blessed Plot' enlightening on the UK's changing attitudes to the EU from the time it was founded through to Blair. At AS level I have enjoyed the focus on political parties and ideologies and found Wheatcroft's the 'Strange Death of Tory England' complemented my studies. American politics also interest me and led me to read Paine's the 'Rights of Man' and Hamilton's 'Federalist Papers'. I also read newspapers and periodicals like Time and The Economist. I also have a strong interest in history which I have pursued this through membership of an archaeological society; I attend lectures and digs in the local area. I have frequently been to lectures at the British museum to develop my knowledge and interest in a range of historical periods. I have read widely about the subject of Russian history over the last century, recently reading 'Cold Peace' by Gorlizki and Khlevnuik and 'A People's Tragedy' by Orlando Figes. My AS levels have enabled me to develop a number of skills. Analysis played an important part of the subjects I studied at AS which also improved my evaluative and research skills. My AS subjects overlapped so they gave me a more rounded understanding of each subject as a whole. During my spare time I am involved in a variety of activities, one of which is charity work. Organising an event for the NSPCC, a charity close to my heart, taught me to be more disciplined and improved my communication skills. Helping a year two class and visiting the elderly in hospital has also been rewarding as is helping at a homeless shelter in Whitechapel. My main sporting achievements have been as a coxswain for Maidenhead Rowing Club, winning pots at a number of regattas and head races. This in particular is something I would like to continue with at University. For many years I've been involved in music, learning how to play the flute, the clarinet and the violin as well as taking singing lessons and joining the school choir. At the local arts theatre I was in a number of plays, and found they gave me more confidence to speak in public. Dance classes in ballet, tap, jazz, modern and lyrical are also something I have enjoyed taking part in. I have had to take time out from education for personal and health reasons which are now resolved. During this time I continued to pursue my academic interests through wider reading and my interest in local politics. On the completion of my degree I would like to join the Civil Service with my ultimate goal being to work in the Foreign and Commonwealth office.

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