A Letter of Intent for Applying to SOAS University of London - Personal Statement Example

One of the realities of the current global society is the fact that a greater and greater population places an increased strain upon the resources that the world is able to provide. As a result of this increased population and the increasing strain that limitless human demands placed upon the finite resources that planet earth can exhibit, it comes as little to no surprise that an increasing level of crime and/or violence is being exhibited on a global and systemic level. Moreover, a competition for resources and the necessities of life is not the only contributor to the increase in crime and violence that has been exhibited upon the world of late. Ultimately, overcrowding and a disproportionate increase in poverty, as compared to the overall percentage increase in population growth, have powerfully contributed to the increase in crime that is evidenced within the next and world. Although it is true that many universities offer courses that could help me to pursue my own career path, it is my strong belief, as will be illustrated within this brief application essay that SOAS University of London offers the best, most effective, and most relevant opportunities which are specifically tailored to what I wish to get from any such program. As such, crime has become so rampant that it is having an extremely adverse impact on society. One can hardly view the evening news or open a local newspaper without finding a constant stream of evidence with regards to the pervasive nature that crime plays with regards to our current society. However, rather than becoming numb to this reality, these factors ultimately encouraged me to action and intrigued me with regards to attempting to stem this seemingly endless flow of crime; moreover, I became specifically interested in what was causing the recent increase in criminal activity as well as what might be done in order to seek to lessen the mentalities that contribute to the evidence of violence and crime within our current system. Consequently, an urge developed in me that I should contribute to this area so that I can make a difference in improving upon the quality of life and seeking to reduce the levels of crime and violence that exist not only within my own society but within the broader world as a whole. Although such a desire may seem lofty and somewhat detached from reality, the global nature of the current system demands that any approach that seeks to reduce crime within a particular region/geography will also have broad and far reaching consequences on seeking to reduce crime in other jurisdictions and locations as well. Since I have studied a wide range of subjects for the International Baccalaureate Diploma, I have developed many skills that can assist me in achieving this aforementioned goal. For example, my study of English Language and Literature has required me to take in information from a wide range of texts, including a number outside the syllabus which will serve to provide me with a great depth of knowledge with regards to how to integrate a better understanding of human nature. I have also had to do independent research in many fields and discuss key findings with fellow university students; additional skills that will prepare me well for the rigors of representing a crime fighting task force in whatever line of work the future may provide me with. Thus, I have acquired the ability to closely evaluate and analyse different works as well as present these findings to stakeholders. In addition, as a direct result of my academic background in biology I have been able to gain a more informed understanding with regards to biological function as well as certain aspects of human behaviour and needs. Tying in alongside this understanding is a more profound understanding and appreciation for human psychology; also derived as a direct result of propr coursework and instrumental in helping to understand certain aspects of behaviour and criminology. . As a result of the unique and formative experience of being able to participate in the Global Young Leader Conference (GYLC), offered in the United States in 2011, I was not only able to gain a great deal of leadership experience and hands on training, but also receive college credit from the prestigious George Mason University. Soon thereafter, I developed a further desire to hone my public speaking skills and seek to focus upon creating better and more specialized pieces of research. In order to achieve these specific goals, I regularly participated in extracurricular activities such as debate clubs. From such a skillset, it has come to my attention that these experiences, which have been denoted herein, all work towards providing me a unique level of familiarity with some of the core components of what will be required within the criminology field that I am applying towards. SOAS University of London helps me to fulfil each of these desires by offering a well balanced curriculum that perfectly speaks to my future career goals and plans that I have with regards to where I see myself growing and developing within my educational pursuits. Apart from my achievements in academic and extracurricular areas, I have also received many certificates for voluntary work. Within such experience, I have spent time with disabled people and orphans and supported a breast-cancer awareness campaign. Rather than merely representing a running tally of “civically minded activities”, this voluntary experience underscores my commitment to my community; and by extension my commitment to making the community in which I live a more pleasant and healthful place to live and raise a family. Moreover, such endeavours have enabled me to understand the problems of the needy, as well as the issues faced by the community around me. Outside of scholastics and voluntary work, I have sought to better myself with regards to more completely acquainting myself with theory and scholarship within my chosen area of focus. One of the means by which I have affected such a goal is to actively engage in reading and analysis of relevant texts within the field. Such readings have provided me an insight into criminology, as well as offering me knowledge on different aspects of criminal behaviour. However, from a more university centric approach, it can be definitively stated that few universities outside of SOAS University of London could speak to my specific career goals and/or needs. In such a way, it should be understood that the program that SOAS provides is unique due to the fact that it allows me to engage in a course of study within the current constraints that my educational career possesses; while all the time promoting the skills and resources that I may not have at the current time. Moreover, the level of emphasis that SOAS places upon integrating an appreciation with each and every student for the importance of a multicultural atmosphere is vital with regards to a better understanding and appreciation for the multi-cultural societies and world in which each and every one of us currently live. Within such a well rounded course curriculum and reasonable approach to the determinants of society and life, it is quite obvious that SOAS University of London presents the most logical and best choice of university study which I might seek to engage. In the light of my academic background and personal interest in criminology, I strongly feel I am a suitable candidate for pursuing further studies in this field. Further, I am confident that the skillsets and interests that have herein been related work towards helping present a well rounded applicant who is ready and eager to engage the proposed subject matter and seek to constructively add to the body of knowledge in the field. Read More