PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLE Law with Criminology Personal Statement

Learning about the intricacies of the legal system intrigues me, as its absence would result in the breakdown of society. In addition, I want to understand the complexity of human behaviour. Everyone acts in a different manner and this makes humans unique. Being able to appreciate this and use this empathy to form an argument is essential in being able to sway someone into seeing your perspective. As a psychology student, the topic of criminology is an area I am especially curious about. I am fascinated by the different perspectives surrounding why people commit the crimes they do, particularly the nature-nurture debate. I have enjoyed the debate on the influence of genetic versus environmental factors in the development of criminality.

My Psychology A Level requires me to be analytical and to be able to engage with different points of views. It has developed my thinking skills and made me realise that data must be looked at thoroughly in order to form a strong argument. English Literature requires me to take into account other people's interpretation of texts. This, in turn, allows me to explore other aspects I have not considered before. The practise of presenting to a group in English Literature has improved my communication skills. I have had to confidently discuss concepts such as the presentation of Othello, challenging the audience to see beyond Shakespeare's use of literary device, such as foil. Patience is needed when working out the solution to a problem. At times Maths can be very challenging, but this has enabled me to step out of my comfort zone. I am confident in asking for help and acting upon advice. This will be important when I continue my studies as it is vital to be able to develop an array of strategies to resolve issues and ensure I reach my potential.

Completing a MOOC in Corporate Lawyers and Ethics in Society has developed my thoroughness during work. For instance, when making a decision, one must consider minor and major factors that would impact the end result. The most interesting part of this course was what it taught me on the morality of lawyers. Day-to-day they are constantly faced with issues that impact their own consciences. This enlightened me as to how tough law is and that there is never a right answer. Completing this course alongside my A Levels has also developed my time management skills.

Once a week, I travel to Eastbourne for my Chinese lessons so that I am able to communicate with my family members in China, Malaysia, Singapore as well as the United Kingdom. Being able to speak three languages enables me to have more connections with people when I travel back to Asia. I have often found myself having to translate for others that have a language barrier and are unable to say the things that they want; my translating for them allows them to say and understand what the thoughts are of the other person.

For the past five years, I have helped in my parents' take-away shop, often running it myself, which has taught me the importance of responsibility. I have to make sure customers are happy through reading their facial expressions and body language and deal with difficult customers in order to play my part in a team. There are often conflicts that come up which need to be resolved in a calm and quick manner. I have adapted quick thinking skills to resolve such problems so that both parties are happy. In my free time I like to read. The Lost Soul by Rosie Goodwin fuelled my love for law, but also opened my eyes to all the different areas in law. This book has given me an insight of how many illegal activities go unnoticed and how children are vulnerable to exploitation. This made me aware of how corrupt society may be and how its untrue presentation needs to be challenged. Studying Law with Criminology would allow me to widen my education and I would love to learn more about how our society is built up from these rules that hold everyone together.