Ps

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Personal statement

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We are in the era of major political change brought by the misrepresented voices in society leading to the emergence of Brexit and Trump. These voices are heightened by the rise of conformity, which digs deep into the human psyche. I glanced through the looking glass when studying geography and psychology; the reflection empowered the sense that knowledge is spherical and non-linear. From Asch’s research into conformity clear links as to why so many countries have adopted western policies and lifestyles can be made. My main interest is how culture thrives on diversity, even in the face of globalisation and dilution, because a universal solution to normality does not exist. In my further readings I came across notes on a lecture given by professor David Chandler and his scope on knowledge, democracy and Big data. The main theme that stood out for me was ‘unintended consequences of our foreign policies leading to destabilising wars’. The perspective it gave me in a geographical sense was how restricted my syllabus is. At the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment, I completed the Level 2 award in Fundamentals of Financial Services which took 1 year alongside my studies. Doing so has assisted me in understanding how global financial markets have contributed to accelerating globalisation and further eroding culture. The skill set I gained included discussions within a cohesive unit and being able to organise my time effectively.Winning £3,000 from the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative competition allowed my group to help our chosen local charity, Westminster Drugs Project. This not only helped me overcome my public speaking fears, but also improved my interpersonal skills and confidence which will prove to benefit me while debating in a university setting. Partaking in the First Story programme - a literacy charity helping young people with creative writing, equipped me with valuable writing skills as well as giving me the privilege of publishing three pieces of work in the published anthology ‘Nineteen’. Performing at various venues including the Barbican with the KSA Orchestra as a violinist, taught me patience and improved my adaptability skills when things went wrong.Furthermore, completion of the National Citizen Service and Duke of Edinburgh gold awards have given me leadership skills and teamwork skills that will be vital for university life. Working with my Duke of Edinburgh group to navigate through the Welsh countryside meant I had to find ways to communicate and function as a team in times of low morale and disagreement. Through resilience and encouragement I was able to boost the team spirit and complete the gruelling award. Moreover, completing the sports leadership qualification level 2 aided me in becoming the senior sports prefect, which in turn furthered my leadership and organisation skills as I chaired meetings and organised sports events. The highlight being the Westminster Vitality Mile run, where we managed to raise over £1,200 for the British Heart Foundation. My paid work experience with ‘Regent Fruit & Veg’ gave me a better insight on the importation of goods from across Europe and the benefits of being part of the EU. Cycling around London as a delivery courier has strengthened me mentally and physically. Additionally, working with UberEats opened up my eyes to how culturally diverse London really is. Doing so has also improved my communication skills through interacting with customers and dealing with major inconveniences. Being part of the first generation in my family to apply to university only adds to my determination to succeed. Going to multiple university residentials and events including Warwick, Oxford, York and Kings College London, confirmed my desire to continue on to higher education. I firmly believe that studying geography at degree level will further increase my knowledge of human culture and our interactions with our landscape.

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Zaaboola

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Iraq

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F

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D