Personal Statement:Politics, Philosophy and Economics PPE 2

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Politics, Philosophy and Economics Personal Statement

I am fascinated by the workings of the global economy and the individual practices of the firm. I regularly keep up to date with current economic affairs by reading 'The Economist' and browsing through the 'Financial Times'. My avid interest in economics has taken me to several conferences in England and France and my hard work and dedication at school resulted in me winning the economics prize in 2001. I am always keen to read around the regular A-level text books and I have recently particularly enjoyed reading Paul Krugman's An Accidental theorist and D. Greenaway's Macroeconomics: Theory and Practice in the UK, both ofwhich proved highly absorbing. Work experience at Chase Manhattan Bank and Ernst & Young has helped to improve my understanding of the practical applications of economics

I hold a passionate interest in current political developments both locally and nationally. I am an active member of the liberal democrat party and spent much time and effort campaigning during the last general election. The desire to increase my understanding of world politics took me to a Model United Nations conference in March 2001. I take great pleasure in debating current issues and captain my house debating team

Learning about the customs and peoples of other countries is something very important to me, and I have taken part on many exchange trips to Germany and France. I found these very useful as they gave me different views on the politics of the E.U. I hold an especially keen interest in the case for and against the introduction of the Euro, as I believe it is a good example of how politics and economics can combine to influence such a vital decision. The development of economic thinking over history, and its relation to political changes intrigues me and has lately led me to read Milton Friedman's Capitalism and Freedom. I especially enjoyed Friedman's view of the proper role of competitive capitalism in achieving economic and political freedom

During my free time I am an ardent reader of books, especially those written by my favourite author, Iain Banks. In order to keep up to date with recent news I like to read 'The Guardian' newspaper as well as watching political television programmes such as Question Time and Newsnight. Both at school and in my village I relish taking part in general knowledge competitions and quizzes and I am proud to captain my house in this field. As a naturally inquisitive person, I have read several introductory books on philosophy, which I found very stimulating as I always seek explanations and ask "Why?" at every opportunity

Last summer provided me with the experience of a lifetime, as I was fortunate to participate in a highly successful rugby tour to South Africa. Not only was this a great sporting occasion but it also offered me the chance to meet many different types of people, from various walks of life. Sport is very important to me and I have represented my school in rugby, cricket, hockey, football and chess. I have played 1st XV rugby for two consecutive years and have participated in matches for my county, Hertfordshire. I like to fill my time with all manner of pursuits in order to keep my body and mind fully occupied. I have lately relished helping to write articles for a teacher-training magazine, distributed in Sierra Leone, addressing the problems of child malnutrition and illness. I feel privileged to be a school monitor this year

After graduation I intend to spend a year working in Asia before returning to further studies, possibly in the USA. I feel that I would be well suited to many careers; however, it has always been my desire to become involved in teaching, either at school or as a lecturer at university.

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