My Inspiration To Continue Research In The Field Of Arts, Humanities And Social Sciences
My interest in the interdependency of geographical, environmental and political dynamics within and across different cultures was kindled with my family's relocation to Switzerland from the UK in 2008. This exposure to a new country opened my eyes to how issues, behaviours, and relations can be explored from diverse viewpoints. My aspiration is to continue to develop my understanding of the pressing issues that face humanity through critically interrogating and drawing upon connections across both arts, humanities and social sciences. I feel a strong sense of personal responsibility and passion to be part of making the world a safer and more sustainable place and am enthusiastic to explore the opportunities for human well-being at university through an interdisciplinary field of studies integrating sustainable development based on human and physical geography with international relations and modern languages.
My curiosity for finding consequential outcomes based upon comprehensive research and objective truths was further fuelled when I worked as a volunteer, in the summer prior to starting my IB course, for the research program 'Operation Wallacea'. Working alongside wildlife conservation scientists, I surveyed flora, fauna and marine life needing environmental stewardship and protection in the Greek Archipelagos. My experience studying the detrimental impact of over-fishing reinforced my commitment to be part of enabling mutually beneficial, cross-country collaboration.
As a member of the 'Model United Nations' in The Hague, I had the personal opportunity to experience the benefits of independent study and field research, combined with statistics and analysis, to find meaningful outcomes. I was part of a small team delicately bringing opposing parties together to find compromises on issues such as the impacts of social injustices, cross-border water supplies, and sustainable materials. I gained practice in writing resolutions integrating a country's political and environmental viewpoints, considering pre-existing agreements and reflecting the way the digital age is reshaping how humans and societies engage with each other and their surroundings. Through the novel 'Chronicle of a Death Foretold' by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, I came to appreciate how messages from authoritative figures can influence how a society thinks and behaves amongst themselves, towards others and their environment. I examined how a society can form ingrained beliefs, despite the contrary or scientific evidence, originating from interpretations encouraged by those in power. In my Extended Essay investigating Hilary Mantel's portrayal of Thomas Cromwell in her novel 'Wolf Hall', I learned how records can be interpreted, depending on a cultural bias, and how choices can be spun into an exciting or memorable picture to sway public opinion. This bias can, in turn, lead to societies making choices in how they organise their social, political, economic activities and manage their natural resources.
I decided to take a gap year to learn more about how a society evolves and contributes to their environment and the international order, through immersing myself in Spanish language and culture in The University of Salamanca. This will build upon my personal experience in how learning French helped me form new friendships, explore new ways of thinking and understand Swiss-French culture in ways I would not have otherwise enjoyed. I will also be volunteering with the step-into-action charity seeking to inspire Geneva students to engage in the importance of cross-border collaboration to create sustainable futures for the common good. I am excited to return to the UK to access world-leading research-led teaching encouraging independent guided learning within a diverse student community. Through an innovative, challenging and interdisciplinary learning environment, I can prepare for future careers in foreign affairs, diplomacy, journalism or sustainable international development.
