Computing
An old IBM PC brought home from work by my father, when I was ten, started my keen interest in computing. My decision to study a degree has been strengthened by my enjoyment and success at A-level and the belief that the use of information technology will continue to expand, it being the means through which modern commerce and industry will be organised. Wanting to work in the field of computing in the future, I am keen to achieve a good degree in that area and extend and deepen my knowledge.
Last summer I used my initiative to organise work experience at ITEC in Loughborough a computer training group, which I found interesting and an exciting opportunity to develop my skills further. Currently I am part of the brainstorming and planning committee for an international Information Communications Technology conference due to take place next year.
I have been actively involved with 6th form life. I joined the Student Council in the start of year 12 and have been an eager member ever since, helping with the organisation of various events and the running of the common room. When the senior staff staged ‘roadshows’ in the feeder schools I was chosen to address an audience of several hundred parents and students.
I was also a founder member of a Young Enterprise company and held the position of sales director. This gave me the opportunity to gain a real insight into the workings of a successful company. Being a team player was of the utmost importance and critical to the success of the company, a skill which we learnt fast. Presentation skills were also key as the company was judged on a number of presentations. This experience has taught me adaptability and developed my skills of public speaking and diplomacy. In the Young Enterprise examination I achieved a merit.
My other A-level subjects, Economics and Geography helped me to develop analytical and reasoning skills. In May I attended a conference on sustainable development from which I gained an understanding of the feasibility of profitability combined with ‘green’ policies.
Having always enjoyed modern languages I took both French and German at GCSE, following that I studied a vocational FLAW French course and helped to create a European newspaper as part of a national competition and cooked for a ‘European’ feast.
Ice-skating was my main sport for eight years; I skated in seven large pantomimes, graduating from and elf to a scary pirate! It was during this time that I first learnt the importance of commitment and working successfully as a team member when under pressure.
In my spare time now, I make use of the local gym. I also enjoy swimming and to continue my interest in the sport I have joined the Melton Mowbray Life Saving Club where I am working towards the bronze medallion and preparing to take the National Pool and Lifeguard Qualifications which will enable me to become a lifeguard. In addition I also like cycling, badminton and have recently started playing squash. As well as sporting activities I delight in music, play the drums and am looking to form a band.