English and German Personal Statement Example

Throughout sixth form I have developed all of my interests both academic and extra-curricular. In school I excel at English Literature and German because I can express myself fully in both subjects, I enjoy English as there are many interpretations to one piece of work and I like to hear other people's opinions and then develop my ideas further. I am a very lively, enthusiastic and open-minded person.

In English I have studied many areas and particularly enjoyed contemporary women's poetry and 17th Century drama. In women's poetry I studied Atwood's 'Manet's Olympia' and Duffy's 'Standing Female Nude' when I attended the Sutton Trust Summer School. I was attracted to these poems as I think that although they are similar in subject matter and theme, they are dealt with from two very different perspectives. For my English course I am currently reading Orwell's 1984 and Huxley's Brave New World. I am enjoying these novels as they are both about future dystopian societies. At home I am currently reading Mark Haddon's The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, which I find interesting due to the unusual narrative style.

In German I like the idea of being able to communicate with people from different cultures and backgrounds and then learning about the historical, political and literary differences. Last February I completed a two week work experience in Germany for Galeria Kaufhof working as a clothing assistant, this could have been a very daunting experience however it proved that I was able to work aboard and communicate with ease in a different language. Next summer I hope to visit Germany or Spain and get a job for 10 weeks to build up my fluency.

Within school I am a member of a student based organisation scheme called Childline Help In Partnership with Schools or also known as CHIPS. As a member of CHIPS I assist with a GCSE German class and help them with topics that they do not understand. This has benefited me greatly as I now have a deeper understanding of German as I am able to explain difficult topics to others. In addition to CHIPS a friend and I set up an email account and website for GCSE students to use if they need help with their homework, exam techniques, subject choices, or general life in sixth form.

Last year I went to Northumbria University for a Higher Education Summer School and then this year I completed the Sutton Trust Summer School at Bristol. I feel that Bristol was a most enlightening experience as it changed my perception of the university and the city. The summer school experience confirmed that I would love to study English or Languages; I decided this as I followed the humanities subject stream and attended lectures in a range of subjects including English and Languages.

Outside school I am currently working part-time at McDonalds where I am a Floor Manager. I recently attended a three day management conference in Leeds, where I ganied valuable communicative, organisational and managerial skills, I have developed these further as I am constantly talking to customers and staff. By completing my Duke of Edinburgh bronze, silver and gold awards I have demonstrated my commitment and determination. In my spare time I like to read, go to the cinema and socialise with friends.

After university I hope to go into advertising, travel journalism or teaching as in all these careers I can use my language and communication skills along with the transferable skills that I will have gained from my degree.