A Letter of Intent fo Apllying to London South Bank University - Admission/Application Essay Example

DRAFT As a young Qatari living in a region that is undergoing remarkable social, economic and cultural transformation, I tend to witness the fast rated development, specifically in my country, Qatar. The decision I made initially to receive a bachelor degree in foreign services with a major in Culture & Politics, came from the idea that we are in dire need to understand the underlying issues that trigger politics today. After completing my bachelor’s degree and receiving a certificate in Arab studies, I was able to look deeply into unique concepts especially the emergence of oil and gas in my country and how it caused a tremendous change in its environment. I have a deep insight on how Qatar transformed from being a very poor country that relied on the pearl diving trade to becoming one of the richest countries in the world capable of now hosting the 2022 world cup. As a child I have faced many challenges, such as the loss of both my parents. I have lost my mother at the age of 6 and my father at the age of 12. Subsequently, I have grown as a person through opportunities that led me to take charge in a lot of issues growing up. Im an inspirational person. I would best describe myself as a responsible, diligent, independent, critical thinker who enjoys learning, thinking ahead, writing, debating and most importantly – making a difference. I tend to inspire and be inspired positively by the people around me, thus honing my leadership skills. When I reflect upon myself, I see a young woman who has matured faster than her peers due to unfortunate circumstances. During the past 2 years I gained wonderful experience both in the cultural and educational field. I worked in the early stages of Katara, which is the first cultural village in Doha and is basically considered a cultural lighthouse for many clubs, societies, theatres and galleries. In this I worked in marketing this tremendous village that had so much potential of hosting great talents, exhibitions, international events and so on. One thing that I got out from my experience there is realizing how culture and dialogue is vital in a globalized world like today; and how many other indirect issues such as culture play a big role in the development of the country. I then received a request from the office of Her Highness to get on board new wonderful educational initiatives that HH has put forward. I am specifically working at the Education Above All Foundation, which includes many educational initiatives under its umbrella. One of which I have been working with closely is Educate A Child, which is a program targeting the number of out of school children in the world and looking into ways of getting them into school. Under the support of HH we are working closely with UNESCO, UNHCR GPE and also many International NGO’s to reach a target of putting into school at least 10 million children by 2015. I have seen my country develop enormously in a life span of 25 years, I have also learnt from my grandparents how they witnessed this development and how it has been racing through the past years. This is when I stopped and thought of the importance of shifting my focus primarily on development studies and finding this unique course just deepened by interest in learning more. As the world becomes more interdependent as a result of globalization, we need to acquire finer tools and skills to keep pace with the rapid changes around us. I believe Development Studies is central to all these related skills, and it is the discipline I wish to pursue at the masters level. I wish to achieve an overview of development, know the current issues and aspects that need to be tackled; this way I will be able to stay up to date and most defiantly benefit my country from what I learn in this course. Qatar has stepped on the train of development and while it speeds its way through, I need to make sure that this train is right on track, from that I mean, maybe developing economically is a benefit; but holding on to our culture and beliefs is just as important; and this is where I hope the course will help me in. After looking deeply in the course description I sincerely believe it can enrich my experiences and promote the goals I aspire for the future. The education that I will receive not only will prepare me for a leadership role in my country, but it also will expand my horizons in understanding and relating to development studies around the world. The dreams that I have for myself extend beyond my ethnic and national boundaries. Continuing my education from a prestigious university such as yours will give me the opportunity to realize these dreams. I would like the chance to impact the future as much as it impacts me. I have a compassion in life to help those in need and that is illustrated by my contribution to a wide range of charities such as my voluntary work in the Red Crescent and traveling to help children at Jeevanies orphanage in Sri Lanka. I also enjoy debating and that is proved in taking part in many debating competitions and participating in community programs and diplomatic events like the Doha Debates has given me opportunities to meet world leaders such as the former US President Bill Clinton, Queen Rania of Jordan and the leader of Cuba, Fidel Castro. My goal as an educated Arab woman is to obtain the best education available that will prepare me for a leading role firstly in my home country Qatar and ultimately around the world. I sincerely hope London South Bank University offers me the opportunity to be educated in its fine institution and thereafter with my ambitious will and determination allow my education to act as a podium to fulfill my dream. Your consideration was a great privilege to me and would certainly help me reach that first step on the ladder of life. Read More