History Personal Statement 14
In my eyes history is an exceptional subject. It amazes me because it is always in progress and this is what I find so fulfilling. Being continuous, with the world in a financial crisis, history is in the making, as is the case with the Afghanistan and the Iraq war. These situations are reminiscent of the Wall Street Crash of 1929 and the Vietnam War. The similarities between them are intriguing. I would appreciate and get pleasure from studying a wide range of historical areas, whether British, American or European. I have been interested in history for as long as I can remember. I have always wanted to find out what has caused events to unfold and what effects they have led to. My inquisitive nature is the source of this interest upon the subject.
Currently, I am passionately studying History A-Level, advancing my knowledge of the subject, preparing myself to read a history degree. I am currently doing a personal investigation, on Russian history, how Stalin’s strengths combined with the weaknesses of adversaries led to his emergence as the leader of the USSR. It has been appealing and enlightening, strengthening my desire to study history. The investigation is allowing me to be independent as research around the topic is required. I also study A-Levels in Government & Politics and Law. The subjects are complementary because of their similarity, which enable me to understand history further regarding political and law related issues. Therefore when I’m studying the nature of German Governments after the First World War, I am able to understand what Governments are and how they operate because of Government & Politics. I have an enthusiastic attraction to British and Global Politics and have followed issues over the Lisbon Treaty which undermine the sovereignty of the British parliament, and struggles the Labour Party has endured through the last year. I also study General Studies A-Level which is helpful in supplementing my knowledge and writing skills.
During school I completed the ‘Speak Out Challenge’ backed by the Jack Petchey Foundation which developed my oral communication and confidence. In my spare time I read books and find them very stimulating. “Animal Farm” is a favourite book of mine because what goes on through the story subtly reflects communism and the power struggle in Russia. The main attraction is that George Orwell has portrayed the characters very authentically. I take time to read history journals as they are informative and pertinent to my studies. I read broadsheet newspapers to keep well informed and develop my communication skills. At the moment I am arranging short work experience at the British Museum as I believe it would be a worthwhile and informative experience.
It is a dream of mine to run for posts at university and join societies and believe it would broaden my horizons. I am capable of working as part of a team or independently and I am able to be organised and good with time management. I would also like to socialise with friends and would love to meet different people. I enjoy sports and would love to play for one of the university football teams. I like to stay healthy and apart from football I keep active by riding my bicycle in the afternoon.
I am looking forward to studying history and would relish the chance to do so and deeply believe it will bring out the best of me. I am very determined and excited to succeed by coming out of university with broader knowledge and satisfaction from studying history.