UK PERSONAL STATEMENT(4000 CHARACTERS), TEACHER REFERENCE - Essay Example

When introduced to Economics in school, I realised that it interestingly qualifies as both Science and Arts. What makes it stand apart from other streams is the fact that although it is an area defined by precise rules, principles and axioms, yet it offers a tremendous scope for self-expression in the form of interpretation and analysis. This facet of Economics has always intrigued me and developed in me a passion for it. Besides, being from a business background, I have been exposed to the nitty-gritties of business since childhood, travelling often with my father on business trips.

My background further fuelled my interest in Economics and aided my understanding of its basic concepts. Having successfully completed the International Baccalaureate, a highly demanding and comprehensive course, I hope to continue my academic journey in the field of my interest. Besides textbook learning, IB equipped me with extracurricular skills in three different areas-creativity, action and service, helping me develop as a versatile and a well-balanced individual. The creativity component of CAS was the area that I found most enjoyable and fulfilling.

It allowed me to pursue my passion for theatre, consequently obtaining a main role in the Senior School Performing Arts festival. Later I performed in various other festivals such as the Broadway Chorus, the Boarders Play as well as helping out in the middle school house music festivals. During the past two years, I undertook and attended forums on world issues, participated in Model United Nations conferences and debates which helped me foster a deeper understanding of world issues such as poverty, human rights and globalisation.

The editorial position with the school magazine also heightened my understanding of teamwork and management. As part of service, I participated in groups such as Amnesty International and Bombs Begone, a charity working to remove the landmines in Cambodia. I also joined the International Student Committee's fundraising efforts to support poverty stricken African children. Over the holidays, I worked at a children's mission home in Singapore as a volunteer teacher. In Melbourne, I participated in the World Vision Forty Hour Famine during 2006-07.

Through these activities, I was exposed to people of different beliefs, and of varying socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. I rafted on the Balinese rivers, took skiing trips on Mt Buller in Melbourne and learnt new sporting skills such as Badminton at training sessions in Singapore. At school, I took active part in various sports such as basketball, tennis, swimming, netball and athletics. As a result, I have become increasingly aware of the need for physical fitness as supplementing mental health.

The trend towards a more accessible global economy coupled with an unprecedented explosion of free trade worldwide has brought about immense opportunities to develop new tools, instruments and methodologies in the field of finance. After completing my undergraduate studies, I want to work in a leading financial consultancy firm in China, the fastest growing economy in the world. Being fluent in both Mandarin and English will pave my way for a successful career in China. Exposure to the challenging environment in China will, I believe, help me arrive at optimal solutions to financial problems.

As a long-term goal, I want to work with the World Bank, which has been my dream. According to me, the undergraduate programme at LSE will not only broaden my knowledge but also hone my skills for achieving my goals, both short-term and long-term.At LSE, I hope to enhance my knowledge about the current developments and techniques in finance, financial markets and financial applications besides acquiring hands-on experience of financial analysis. An undergraduate degree in Economics will provide me with theoretical expertise as well as an in-depth idea of practical approaches aiding managerial decision-making in the core areas of financial strategies and global financial operations.

Within the field, my specific focus area will be the application of quantitative analysis to understand various issues in global finance that aid decision-making. The outstanding faculty, research facilities, collaborative learning environment, flexibility in curriculum, study abroad opportunity and a global perspective to various key issues is the highlight of LSE according to me. My analytical and mathematical skills together with a natural aptitude for Economics will give me a leading edge to work effectively in diverse teams and situations.

Given the opportunity to study at your university, I believe, I will add value and contribute symbiotically to the institution. LETTER OF RECOMMENDATIONI have known Manisha since 2005 in the capacity of a teacher, teaching her Chinese at Methodist Ladies' College, Melbourne. What first struck me about her was her enthusiasm, willingless to learn and a never-say-die attitude. Mandarin is not an easy language to master, being totally difeerent from English, the predominant language in Australia.

Credit goes to Manisha for grasping the language so fast through her perseverence, and personal effort. No doubt, she was a delight in the classroom, even encouraging other students through her zeal. During the past two years of my interaction with her, Manisha impressed me with her impeccable academic performance, obtaining straight 7 in the International Baccalaureate for all tests in Mandarin. Not only that, she obtained the Distinction for Chinese Excellence in the International Baccalaureate course two years consecutively.

Although she belongs to a non-chinese speaking family, she diligently practised the language to gain fluency in the spoken language. It was her skill, determination and passion for the language that helped her achieve the level of fluency that she has in just a couple of years. I have been deeply involved in encouraging her during her pursuit in learning Mandarin, guiding her through her spirited journey. Manisha is a determined individual, focused towards her goals and extremely hard-working.

Her interest in global business, especially China, added to her passion for the language. I am aware of her desire to pursue Mandarin as a language in her univeristy studies which will further help her to successfully study Asian markers, and developements in Shanghai or Beijing besides helping her tremendously if she chooses to work in China or a Chinese firm. I endorse his candidacy with confidence and enthusiasm and hope that the committee at your university judges his application favourably both for selection and for scholarship.

Mr David Liu,Senior School Chinese Teacher, IB Methodist Ladies' College, Melbourne.