I have a strong desire to study special needs teaching or social work. These and related areas e.g. disability studies or counselling have attracted my interest for a long time now. I initially became interested in these topics when carrying out work experience with children with special needs at a children’s charity and when studying sociology and psychology.
My work experience at a children’s charity the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust was extremely rewarding and my enthusiasm provided not only myself with confidence but also provided the children for whom I was caring for with confidence. I worked with children of a variety of ages across a broad range of learning and behavioural needs. A lot of the children I worked with had autism, which I had studied in psychology and found it to be really fascinating. Working with these disadvantaged children was certainly rewarding. The skills I gained from my work experience will be extremely beneficial in my future career. I was enlighten by the experience I gained from working at the children’s charity and believe it to be a main influence in what I hope to study at university.
My skills are best shown when working alongside and supporting others but I can also work independently very effectively. Enthusiasm and commitment, which are my strengths, can be applicable for any occupation especially when working with vulnerable people. The most important attribute when working with underprivileged children is to be caring; caring for people is a trait I find easy to excel in.
I am currently studying sociology, psychology, and dance. I also studied performance studies at AS. Studying the education system in sociology was particularly inspiring for my career choice. Child development and learning techniques in psychology have also contributed to my decision. The nurture side debate of psychology particularly interests me and how the contribution of social interactions can shape behaviour. Creativity and courage have grown when studying dance and performance studies, allowing me to become a versatile student. When choreographing my own solo and group pieces I have had to draw on high levels of creativity and dedication. At school I have participated in and contributed a lot of my time and effort to school productions, which I have thoroughly enjoyed
My enthusiasm in dance has made me into a committed and dedicated individual who can accept discipline. I have danced since the age of four outside school and study dance at A-level standard, and performing at a vast number of venues including the Opera House in Manchester and the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester has given me confidence. I have demonstrated my determination to succeed through completing numerous dancing exams to a high standard over the past thirteen years. Through dance disciplines you learn there are always areas for improvement and I have transferred this viewpoint to anything that I attempt and not just dance. Dance training can take up to 20 hours a week which has developed my outstanding time keeping skills as I complete and meet all my school work targets and deadlines. I also teach dancing to children between the ages of 2 and 12 which helps me improve my people skills with young children, parents and other teachers, as well as giving me responsibility. I mentor a disabled girl at dancing and working one and one with her giving me an insight into how to work with disabled children and meet their needs with an approachable attitude. At school I have also choreographed and taught lower school pupils dance routines in order to help them promoting their enterprise projects. Conducting dance clubs at lunch times has raised my ability to work with younger people to another level.
Both interests and experience have made me mentally driven to succeed in what I want to study and later pursue a career in. Devotion to succeed makes me an individual who do anything to accomplish my goals.