my personal statement . plz help???

I am applying for a degree in textiles for the reason that I am very interested in this subject. The structure of the degree courses at the universities I have chosen will give me a broad base from which I can specialise later. I am really looking forward to be given the opportunity to study and gain more experiences within this subject.

When I first started the BTEC National Diploma in fashion and clothing in 2001, it gave me the chance to explore areas that I had never consider before. Textiles appealed to me the most, as I like every think bout the fabrics and what can be done to them. I also like the idea of printing and designing my own fabric for textiles or fashion.

I am currently at great Yarmouth College studying a foundation art and design course. I am a very hard working person and always give the best of my ability. I enjoy being creative but I am also a practical person. I am enjoying the course, as I am able to bring my textiles techniques and processes through to my work and my other subjects. Within theses favourite subjects textiles, photography, and print and art history my practical and creative can be seen on my work. I also attend an evening class in life drawing. Which is helping me to developed my drawing techniques and learning new techniques. Being on the foundation course as helped me to be well organised since I have met all the deadlines.

I have a part time job in a supermarket that I have held for nearly three years . Although it is hard to fit around with my college work, I need this job to finance my studies. I also have key skills numeracy, communication and I.T at level 2.

I class my self as a sensible and focused person who is dedicated to completing a task. I am prepared to push myself to ensure I achieve the best of my ability.

I have always loved and admired art, drama, creative writing and poetry. Throughout my school years Art and Design has been the subject I have truly enjoyed and excelled in. I chose my secondary school for the well-equipped and diverse curriculum of the arts department. It was whilst in 6th form studying for my AVCE in Art and Design that I was able to gain a greater knowledge of different innovative ways to work with textiles, ceramics, metal, wood, painting, 3D and computer aided design, my hard work and dedication resulting in an A and a B. I am currently studying at Manchester Metropolitan University, undertaking an Art and Design BTEC Foundation Course. Working with different people has been very inspiring and resulted in giving me new ideas. Nevertheless, I have also had to work independently and under pressure at times, as deadlines have had to be met. I have enjoyed working as a team, especially showing our resulting “maquette” (a maquette of what?)to an audience together with a lighting and music production. As part of my work experience whilst in 6th form I also had the fantastic opportunity to work in the busy graphic design department of Granada TV in Manchester. I have been enthralled with my various trips to London visiting many art galleries such as the Tate Britain(Turner prize), Tate Modern, Zandra Rhodes Fashion and Textile Museum and the British Museum. I was particularly intrigued with the Saachti Gallery, which had a unique, ultramodern character to all of the exhibitions. I am very much inspired by Pop Art and some of my briefs have been influenced along the lines of Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, James Rosenquist, Vivienne Westwood and Zandra Rhodes.

I have a keen interest in other cultures, which I have reflected in some of my work. Fortunately have had the opportunity to travel to various countries. Kwa Zulu Natal in South Africa impressed me particularly, as I experienced a different world such as indigenous tribal life, African wild life in huge Game Parks, breathtaking scenery, poverty etc. African culture permeates into mainstream society and influences design throughout the world. (new line)
Outside of studying hours for the past three and a half years, I have worked twice a week in a busy restaurant as a waitress, this has given me the ability to work with the public and meet new people. Due to my working in the service industry I have gained in confidence and feel I have excellent interpersonal skills. In my leisure time I enjoy taking part in jazz and tap dancing at my local dance school also participating in show/drama productions. (which one? you can't use a slash here)

I am very ambitious, and in the future I hope to be successfully involved in the fashion and textile industry. Studying at degree level would give me the chance to gain and expand my experience and knowledge by exploring more ‘hands on’ more hands on what? processes?with textiles, which would give me an amazing chance in being presented with new challenges. (-perhaps here say you look forward to the challenege rather than telling them there will be a challeneg as this almost goes without saying)