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Personal Statement:Politics 11TSR Wiki > University > Applying to University > Personal Statement Library > Politics 11
Politics Personal Statement9/11 has politicised a generation; however it is the effects that still grip our society today, almost ten years later, which first interested me. Rushed anti-terrorist legislation in the wake of this tragic event had a global impact and, having always had a strong sense of justice and fairness, the infringement of human rights in cases such as Belmarsh and Guantanamo Bay helped develop my passion for politics. My enthusiasm for politics extends well beyond the classroom. This year I participated in a Debate Chamber class on politics and international relations, which examined basic theories of international relations such as Realism, Constructivism, Marxism and Liberalism, and looked at the nature of terrorism. I researched further into the issue of defining terrorism by reading 'The Age of Terrorism' by Adrian Guelke. I also attended Lord Carlile's lecture on the relationship between anti-terrorism legislation and human rights to further my knowledge into this topic. I've been politically active from a young age, participating in protests such as the anti-Iraq march in 2001 with my parents and more recently protesting at the G20 meetings for a stronger focus on the environment in politics. I followed the 2010 election avidly, becoming involved by campaigning for my local Liberal Democrat candidate, David Turner. I also attended a Question Time style debate between the candidates for Beaconsfield constituency, including the then Shadow Justice Secretary Dominic Grieve. I have set up and lead a debate club in school for younger students in which I introduce them to political debates. This was particularly interesting during the election campaign when we debated ideas from the parties' manifestos. Studying politics at AS level has given me an insight into the British political system and I know that I want to develop this knowledge to degree level. I particularly enjoyed learning about the effects of different voting systems. The study of American politics at A2 level has also been interesting, particularly when contrasting the implications of an entrenched constitution and the uncodified constitution of the UK. In A2 history, the study of Germany, a country which transformed so suddenly from having the most democratic government in Europe to being under a fascist regime, has given me insight into the impact of sudden and dramatic political change. English has developed my essay-writing skills and my wider reading has introduced me to new political ideas, particularly in dystopian novels such as 'A Brave New World' which made me consider the importance of liberty. '1984' was also interesting in its depiction of a totalitarian police state. Reading is my favourite hobby and I have sought to extend my political knowledge by reading political literature and 'The Spectator', a magazine which I enjoy as it gives me an alternative view to current affairs. I enjoyed the entertaining view into the realities of Westminster given in Tony Benn's diaries and the ideas on media control and the war on terror presented in Chomsky's 'Media Control'. I have shown leadership through my role in coaching my trampolining club and through my experience in running several community arts festivals. Playing piano for six years has taught me to be dedicated and disciplined. I enjoy travelling, and a recent visit to Washington DC gave me a perception of the political system of the USA. I have also travelled around Borneo which showed me the importance of environmental politics and gave a realistic edge to the issues of deforestation, palm oil plantations and tribal exploitation. I believe taking politics to degree level is the ideal way to find a position working for an organisation such as Liberty or in the UN to protect human rights internationally. I'm also passionate about gender politics and hope to tie this in with work protecting rights. I want to make the world a fairer and better place and politics is the means to this end. Universities Applied to:
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