Ben

My Personal Statement for University:"I have always enjoyed studying history and over the past few years I have developed a keen interest in politics, terrorism, military conflicts, armed services and the underlying reasons for nations to wage war. I studied the First World War for GCSE and found the detailed study of the battles and visiting the Battlefields of the Somme compelling. I enjoyed gaining knowledge and understanding of the events leading to the war and put this in context with the tactics of battles and the experiences of the soldiers. I read ‘Birdsong’ and ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’, and although fiction they gave me a strong feeling for the experiences of the soldiers involved in war, reading ‘The Art of War’ has shown me howI have been aware of political issues from a young age, as a subject of debate in my family. I have close family members who have served as police officers and discussed with me how government policies and changes in public opinion have affected their role and work, this has given me a very real sense the more immediate effects political doctrine can have, for example recently I attended a lecture and discussion given by an ex-miner who spoke with passion about his experiences in the 1983-84 mineworkers strike. I was able to compare these with the recollections of people who had policed the same events; again the view from ‘the front line’ has increased my desire to study the background, the institutions and political systems that lead to this conflict and others.Witnessing the unfolding events leading to the current conflict in Iraq and trying to determine the true motivations of the American and British Governments from the public statements given by those for and against the invasion, the subsequent revelations of political and military conduct has enhanced both my fascination with the subject and my desire to obtain greater understanding of political systems and interaction of nations and governments that lead to both this conflict and others.I aspire to a career in either the Army or in the Diplomatic Service. I believe that a course that would allow me to gain an understanding and appreciation of political theory and international relations then provide further opportunities to study the legality, ethics and conduct of all aspects of international relations and conduct of war would both be rewarding in itself and ideal preparation for my chosen careers.I have a wide range of interests and experiences, which I believe will be valuable in making a success of my time at University and subsequent career. In June 2003 I was selected to attend a weeklong Army Officer work experience course. The course was designed to provide a number of personal challenges, I learnt a great deal about myself and as both a team member and team leader, particularly the need to be co-operative and supportive of others whilst being self-reliant and self-motivated. The experience stood me in good stead in several subsequent areas: when I was appointed as Captain of the School swimming team, a position which requires both leadership during a match, organisation and the coaching and support of other team members and in my role as a School Perfect at Reed’s. I also found these skills were invaluable when I worked as a part time waiter in a busy restaurant and public house, working hard as a member of a team in situations that were often demanding.I look forward to furthering my sporting and social interests at University. I have swum in various Swimming Championships and represented my School at hockey. I enjoy Theatre and Drama, I have acted in School productions and produced and directed Junior School and House Arts Reviews I regularly attend a wide variety of theatrical and musical performances. In the past year I obtained an Award in Public speaking from ‘Toastmasters International’ and represented my school in inter school debating.In the past month I have undertaken and passed two courses of practical and theoretical study: scuba diving and car driving, my high level of motivation to succeed resulted in a 100% mark in the scuba diving practical and theory exams and passing my driving test at the first attempt. I believe these successes exemplify my application and ability to succeed in courses, subjects and challenges that I find enjoyable and have a strong motivation to master. I believe that I would bring these to my undergraduate studies."Above is an accurate description of the way my minds works and the interests that I have. Due to the fact that it was written for a university application form, it does not stress the focus I have on sport or socialising. I now play hockey for the University of Reading, and, when not studying for my BA in ‘War, Peace and International Relations’, I spend much of my time socialising with the hockey chaps and chappettes.