Returning Mature Student (Distance Learning) Personal Statement Help Please..

Hi all, I'm really struggling with a personal statement for the Graphic design distance learning course I'm applying for.

Here's the story:

I'm 26 and have been working part time at a supermarket for over 6 years now after finishing college. I did a Art and design national diploma in college and then applied to do a graphic design and illustration degree at the same institute, which I got accepted for at the time. Due to personal circumstances (Break up with my ex who I was living with at his mum's house) I ended up having to move back home. My parents had recently moved away from where I was studying and I ended up not doing the course as it was too far away and I was too distressed at the time to apply elsewhere. I ended up going on to jobseekers for a while and then eventually got myself a job in a supermarket which brings me to where I am now.

I feel like I've left behind something that I really should have done to open up more opportunities for myself.

I feel this is the best time to get back to studying for that degree whilst I am part time so I'll have the spare time to study. The part time work is not enough to support myself in creating my own independent life away from home nor does it have any way to use my own creative passion and skills. I feel that doing this course would enable me to learn new skills that will benefit me in changing my career path, to challenge and better myself, as well as enjoy what I do for a living.

During the time I have been in part time employment, I have tried to keep my creative juices flowing by locally advertising myself as a animal portrait artist. I've also help the local primary school in creating drawings and designs that the children can colour or collage for their displays.

I feel I'm quite confident in using computers and have a little experience in using Photoshop elements to edit some of my traditional artworks and also occasionally to create banners, avatars and my own personal artwork and designs.

My interests include drawing and being creative using traditional and digital medias, photography(amateur -I just enjoy taking photos), cooking and motorbikes.


If anyone can help to give me any sort of structure to this ton of waffle and guidance on how to word things, how to start my statement, what I should leave in or take out etc.. I'd be very grateful for the tips!

The email I got sent said I need to send it and all other documents including my CV(I dont have one yet either) within 5 days for it to be treated as a priority. eeek.

Thanks

x