“History is written by the victors”. My curiosity for the past has increased with age due to growing political enthusiasm influencing my own beliefs. I am determined to study History and Politics at as high a level as possible. If the option to study this was not available it would not stop me from broadening my own knowledge in the subjects. The saturation of WW1 in A-level bored me, leading to my own research into events happening at this period in time, in particular the Russian revolution and economic depression of the US that followed after the war. These events and subsequent political ideologies that arose initially sparked my interest in broader political theories and led to me undertaking Politics at A-level. I find the parallels between history and modern day politics intriguing, especially subjects such as the inequality prevalent in Victorian and Post-War Britain.
The first political book I read was Huntington’s ‘Clash of Civilisations’. In conjunction with growing global hysteria I felt that it was, and is, most applicable to our social climate. The book motivated me to join my college's debating club; an activity that allowed me to further experience the kinds of discussions that have always engaged me. For two years running I sat on the Sixth form Student Council, which, alongside the debating club, allowed me to develop my arguments; a skill key in investigating historical sources and understanding political controversies. Along side this I learned how to deal with requests from my peers and put them forward to my teachers. A skill that can be mirrored in most administrative professions. When studying in the academic year of 2015 I ran for presidency of the Student Union at City College Norwich. Running taught me how to better cope with constant pressure. Though I only managed to make second place in the presidential election, the experience appealed to my competitive nature. It also taught me that in important decisions a compromise is not always possible and sacrifices have to be made. I am currently reading Ian Morris’ ‘War. What is it Good For?’which so far I have found useful when analysing conflicts. As a member of the Labour Party I attended Jeremy Corbyn's speech in Norwich during his leadership campaign. I have also been to multiple talks held by the Labour and Conservative Party as well as talks from Clive Lewis and Chloe Smith. Earlier in 2015 I also attended a seminar by political commentator Owen Jones. I believe that going to events such as these have helped me widen my own political horizons on matters that mean the most to my county.
It is important to disclose that this is my fourth year of A-levels. I believe that taking a year out of education has made me appreciate how important my studies are. Due to this I have achieved higher than I would have had I stayed at my first college. In school I earned the place of House Captain. The school also runs an anti-bullying scheme known as the ‘Friendly Faces’, and, in my senior year I was known as a ‘Friendly Face Co-ordinator’. My duties entailed visiting primary schools and counselling troubled students. Together as a team we won the Dianna anti-bullying award. I have recently undertaken snowboarding. It is important to me to exercise in a way that I can express myself. I plan on venturing to Austria in February with my friends with money I have saved from working between my studies. Currently, I work behind the bar at my local country pub. In the past I have worked as a barista and volunteered in a charity shop. All of these have helped me communicate to a number of characters and thus broadened my ability to enter debates with different people.
I am looking for an opportunity to study with a dynamic University in which I can fully immerse myself within its political activities and societies. Though A career in Politics is not my ultimate goal, journalism is. A degree would prove to be invaluable in such a pursuit.