Personal Statement:History 12

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I would like to study history because I want to learn about the world. It has been shaped from the past, and without understanding the past, we cannot understand the present society that we live in. For example, we need to learn from the mistakes of the Vietnam War where we see millions of people killed, and millions more living with mental and physical injuries. Moreover, I would like to study history because there are different possibilities for each event. History is fluid and each possibility is just as likely as the last. We do not know why there was very little crime in Nazi Germany; was it the increase in living standards? Was it an increase on measures to tackle crime? Was it because there was an increase in work and the unemployed were given jobs? Or was it all the factors?

I currently study Religious Studies, English Literature and Language and History. I enjoy R.S, because it gives me an insight into people's lives and beliefs. I have learnt how to write cohesive arguments and how to analyse sources and arguments put forward by others. I took Critical Thinking at AS level because I have a keen interest in current affairs and it helped to develop my debating and written argument skills. I have been on various courses such as one on Government and Politics (at the London School of Economics) where I enhanced debating skills also at the LSE. The Law course gave me the opportunity to take part in a mock trial where we argued the side of the prosecution and the defence.

For my work experience, I worked with Shelter legal services for 2 weeks. In this time, I visited court twice, and oversaw cases. I helped with the administrative side of the legal profession, filling out forms and filing accounts into order. Currently, I also baby-sit on a weekly basis where I demonstrate maturity to support a child. I’m often required to help her with her homework and practise a musical instrument. A few years ago, I was a peer mentor for a period of 2 years, supporting younger years in adapting into a new school.

Outside of school I play the clarinet and the piano, Clarinet to the standard of grade 6, and piano to grade 2. I occasionally compose music and perform with my friends in our spare time. I am a joint Treasurer for the national organisation 'School Students Against the War'. In this position I have developed a strong feeling of maturity. I have helped with the Labour party local election campaigns, I was able to canvass and talk to people, to help persuade them to vote Labour. Out of this I felt more confident in putting forward my own point of view. I am a non portfolio executive member for the organisation ‘Socialist Youth Network’ which is the youth wing of the ‘Labour Representation Committee.’ From this I have developed a strong sense of responsibility and learnt how my actions help other people.

I write my own stories and poetry, and have performed one of these at the launch of a book evening, at my school. I am currently a Deputy Senior Student, where I applied via application and interview, after being selected. I demonstrate a level of commitment to my role, and support to both my fellow prefects and the students in the course of the role.

I would like to become a teacher when I am older, I want to help children achieve what they can and learn from their mistakes and pasts. That is why I want to choose history for my degree.

Subject Applied For

History BA V100

Used To Apply To

• University of Hull,
• University of East Anglia,
• University of Leicester,
• University of Sussex
• University of Queen Mary

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