My UCAS personal statement from September 2005, (formatted for Wikipedia).
Personal Statement edit
From a young age I have been fascinated by the entangled relationships of power, money and the common man, and how their relative focus differs in every location on the planet but maintains a common basis the world over. My determination to concentrate my future studies within this field of social sciences stems from a desire to combine elements of both the sciences and the arts whilst maintaining focus on a single, inclusive course.
Coupled with the financial pages of the daily newspaper, it was David Smith's "Free Lunch" that really drew me to the subject of economics. The idea that a simple problem - infinite demand for finite resources - can have such far reaching consequences, to the extent that economics affects everything, astounded me with its simplicity. The contrasting solutions to this problem led me to write an article titled The Economic Spectrum, which has now become an edited part of the BBC's online encyclopaedia - "h2g2 - The Guide to Life, The Universe and Everything". I have particularly enjoyed the macroeconomic side of the course and look forward to competing in the nationwide "Target 2.0 Bank of England/Times Interest Rate Challenge" for the school. In July 2005, I was awarded the school Economics Prize.
Following political events from my youth meant Government & Politics naturally appealed to me. The world's countless variations of sovereign power never ceased to amaze me, and the course enables me to open my mind to alternative viewpoints that counter those I would have otherwise taken for granted. The perpetual change of society, illustrated in Anthony Sampson's "Who Runs This Place", puts into perspective how traditional power bases are being eroded while new areas of society grow in prominence, led by the ever-present media.
Accompanying these subjects with Double Mathematics reflects my desire to balance the discipline and certainty of mathematical problems with the contemporary nature of humanities. I have been a keen mathematician throughout my life and intended studying Further Mathematics ever since taking my GCSE in Year 9. More powerful maths has enabled me to think laterally about problems and use logic more effectively - skills that have proven advantageous far beyond the maths classroom. Nonetheless, unavoidable exposure to television media, increasing interest in financial and economic problems, and enthusiasm for current affairs, drew me towards a course that would tap into the subject areas I enjoy and value the most.
After two weeks of work experience in June 2004, I was employed by Citigroup in London, working in the Venture Capital ('CVCI') department. My tasks involved emerging markets investments, and working in these surroundings gave me a first-hand feel of an office working environment, and strengthened my understanding and appreciation for the latent potential in global emerging markets. A year later, I was invited back to CVCI, where I concentrated on researching the merits and drawbacks of potential investments for the company. During the school year I spent six months working part-time as a Customer Assistant at our local Tesco supermarket - an invaluable experience that taught patience, courtesy and quick-wit.
In my free time I have keenly volunteered with "VSU - Youth in Action" where, since starting in late 2004, I have gained almost 150 hours as a Millennium Volunteer. As such, I have been nominated for the Kent Young Achievers award, which recognises services to the community by young people across the whole county. I am a school Prefect, and represented Judd at the Election Day of the Worshipful Company of Skinners, at Skinners' Hall in the City of London. Six years of committed school cricket will culminate in April when we tour Barbados.