"...but why journalism?" - Arthur Balfour, Prime Minister 1902 - 5

Journalism is a means of communicating every day events to millions of people. The influence a journalist can have is immense. Like a politician, a journalist argues his or her version of events. I follow British politics in order to understand the art and science of government. The study of politics could lead me to specialise in Political Journalism.

Language, and especially the use of English, has always fascinated me, which in turn has fostered my interest in writing, journalism and politics. I enjoy a wide range of journalism, ranging from The Times to specialist magazines to "Loaded" and from the Nine o’clock News to the news spoof "On The Hour". I also hope to develop my own writing style and I am convinced that both Politics and Journalism degree courses will not only prepare me for my future career but also help define my own particular style of writing.

I have taken every opportunity to experience journalism in action. In June 1995 I combined my passion for American Football with my career aspirations by working for the only British weekly American Football Newspaper, "First Down". I contributed two of my own articles (with a bye-line) to the paper as well as typing others and being involved in the layout of some pages. In 1995, I spent a week work shadowing Robin Young, a reporter for The Times. This involved attending press conferences at the Home Office and ITN headquarters and reporting on the then new Shakespeare Globe Theatre in London. Following this, I was approached by a member of my church to be the editor of a local charity newspaper over Christmas. I greatly enjoyed producing and editing "The Cracker" as well as writing several articles for the Editorial and sports pages.

I participated in Tring School’s mock General Election which coincided with the actual election on May 1, 1997. Needless to say, I had to bow to the popular opinion and step out of the lime light as my Conservative party was ousted in a landslide victory for the Liberal Democrats! In 1997 I was awarded a school prize for achievement in my English Language and Literature A-Level course. I have also participated in public speaking and inter-house geography competitions and I held position of assistant to a year eight form. I undertook one year of voluntary community service which involved helping in lower school geography lessons and monitoring classrooms during break periods.

I am an avid reader and my interest in the English language and its applications has led me to read such books as "Mother Tongue" and "Made in America", both studies of the development of the English language and its use in Britain and the United States by Bill Bryson. I particularly like poetry by Roger McGough and Tony Harrison and I have read a variety of novels by John Grisham. I maintain a communication with an American girl who shares my interest in The Buffalo Bills - an American Football team.

Since 1995 I have played competitive American Football for the Luton Huskers in the British Youth American Football Association League. I was awarded "Offensive Rookie of the Year" in 1995 and I have trained with the National Youth squad before a trip to the United States. I am currently the team’s offensive captain - a role which requires me to show leadership and also take control of various ‘difficult’ situations.

I have achieved Associated Board Grade 4 on the Saxophone and also I have also been through the whole Scout movement, in which I participated in several hiking expeditions, camps and other ‘scouting’ activities. I particularly enjoyed Scouts as I was able to learn different skills that I still employ today and I was also able to use my leadership skills as a Senior Patrol Leader and Cub Assistant. During my time as a Scout I attained the Chief Scout Award.

I work part time at McDonalds - yes, for the money, but it is interesting to see how a multinational firm adheres to such high standards and consistency with no margin for error.