History is an intricate framework of the past, one that not only provides the knowledge responsible for innovation in science and medicine, but also the foundation behind who we are. My German grandmother's emotive storytelling about her father's WW2 endeavors provided me with this grounding. The way he was castigated for his outspoken beliefs of the Nazi regime, his concealment of Jewish families, and eventual imprisonment. My young mind was captivated and totally absorbed by these personal events. Sparking my initial desire for more knowledge, not only over Nazism but history per se, giving me the foundation and an inspiration to search and discover, the study of the past. This created a well-justified love for the subject, as History gives the ability to dissect the past and understand how these events have led to the shaping of modern day society. Study at Advanced Level has strengthened my infatuation with the human history. Whether domestic, with the study of post 1945 political Britain, analysing government's role in shaping the makeup of our country, or internationally with the study of Stalinism, China's journey to People's Republic and US civil rights. These, alongside visits to the Somme and British Museums have heightened my wish to continue into university learning, as history's scope is unparalleled.

The beauty of historical events, are that they are all uniquely different, but also co-related. After all our perception of history is not crafted from one event but as a collaboration. From a country's socio economic climate affecting its political position, a clear example of which would be the French estate system igniting its revolution of 1789, to human characteristics influencing history. History is abundant in everything around us; this is why it offers me such intrigue, as no single industry, society or culture would exist in its current form if not for the crafting of past events. Independent reading is also intrinsic to my enthusiasm. I have developed a keen interest in the effects of the age of enlightenment, particularly its impact on society after reading Jonathan Israel's 'A Revolution of the Mind'. In which it describes how enlightenments promotion of science, reason and beliefs over democracy have been carried into modern day. Reading Barrie Trinder's, 'The Making of a Manufacturing People' highlighted the importance, I feel, technology has made to the shape of modern society, particularly, as we, the British, were responsible for revolutionary changes in living. Some History is only fully constructed with hindsight or publishing of classified documents, as is the case with espionage and counter-intelligence. Thus Lewis Gaddis's 'The Cold War', fuelled my interest to further study the effects of a 'silent' war. History is an absorbing subject, which develops transferable skills, from content analysis, constructing substantiated judgment, to having the ability to clearly articulate opinion, creating a subject incredibly diverse. University will give me the basis to obtain knowledge and experience, which can then be utilised in future employment.

My father has always instilled in me the belief that if you desire something in life you have to go out and earn it. This has translated into a hardworking philosophy. Working since age thirteen, initially a paper round, then onto further work in waitering, landscaping and presently tennis coaching. Shown through my appointment as prefect, these have effectively developed time management, leadership and strong communication skills, which I'll be able to employ during the course. University will provide me with the opportunity for personal growth. Although I have a passion for sport, being proficient in many areas, representing Middlesex in tennis and greater London in youth athletics, I hope to build upon this by joining many of the engaging societies university has to offer, whilst becoming an active and valuable member of your institution.