Online Portfolio

SWOT Analysis

Personal Statement

Personal Statement

When we look around, we are surrounded my different media types. Whether this be what is on the television, the internet or what we read in the papers. From a very young age we learn from the media and it helps to form the person we will become.

Looking back, I realised a lot of my childhood was spent reading and writing. I enjoyed creating stories and documenting my day in a diary at home, and not just for educational purposes in school. I would come up with plans for a story and then spend days and sometimes even weeks writing and re-writing it until I came up with a finished product which I would then share with others.

A lot of the time, I would create stories on what I had seen or heard in the news which is where my interest in current events came from. As I progressed in age and ability, I started to write not just stories, but articles and non-fiction pieces on topics I was interested in.

I would say it was around this time that I became interested in Journalism and what it entailed – spurred on by family members and teachers who would say I had “The knack for making things interesting.”

Throughout both primary and high school, English was always my favourite subject, therefore it was always one of my strongest points; letters and words always making more sense to me than numbers and equations ever would. When it came time to choose my options in year nine, I found it tough as I was unsure of what I wanted to commit myself too. In the end, I picked Media, Religious Education and Food Technology to study alongside the core subjects I was doing already. Within the first few days of each subject I knew I had picked correctly. I was able to be creative and independent within the work, and not be held back by the ‘correct way’ of doing something. 

I studied hard and completed coursework to the best of my ability and came out with grades which I was pleased with; as I wasn’t too sure I could achieve them. In the end I ended up with B’s in English Language and Literature, a B in Media, Food Tech and R.E, A C in French, passes in Science and ICT and then for Maths, which I had struggled with since a very early age, I got a D.
This was quite a set back as I was unsure of my options. I knew I wanted to go to college but didn’t know if I would be accepted without a pass in both English and Maths. On enrolment day, I was told that I could attend college, but I would have to re-sit my maths. I did, and eventually got my C.

I originally planned to study Anthropology, Philosophy, English Combined and Critical Thinking at AS Level, but on enrolment day was told that 3 of the courses had been cut due to lack of interest in them. I had the weekend to decide which other courses I would like to study instead. I opted for English Language, Law, Psychology and Photography as they were all quite different and without a clear career path ahead of me, I thought this would be the best option for me. I enjoyed my first year of college; it was different, definitely harder and with a lot of added pressure, but I liked it all the same. My subjects however, were not suited to me. I think my mind was made up that I really didn’t like them within the first few months; however I was advised to stick them out as I was “nearly half way through”.
Again, I studied hard. I didn’t want to just throw a year away without trying, just because I wasn’t enjoying myself anymore. I did all my exams but in the end was extremely disappointed with my results; I got U’s in Psychology and Law, an E in photography and a C in English Language.

Although I hadn’t expected good grades, seeing them made me realised I needed to think about what I wanted to do quickly, as there was no chance of me going back and doing them subjects again.

I was still undecided as to what I wanted to do when enrolment came around again, after numerous meetings and talks with family and friends, I chose to come back to college and do a BTEC. Originally, I chose Childcare as I have always liked looking after young children, and growing up in a family with lots of children, the babysitting skills I gained would come into use. I attended this lesson for 3 days, but after hearing the course details, I decided it wasn’t for me.

A few of my friends were in the same situation as me, and they had enrolled onto the Media course. I looked into this, and after a lot more consideration I decided I was more suited to this. It seemed challenging enough to keep me from becoming bored, but also interesting and more like something that would be good for me. It was definitely the right choice as I am enjoying it much more and the style of work is much more suited to me.

Outside of college I spend my time working, socialising with friends and family and then to relax, reading and learning about something new.

My first job was working as a Christmas Elf in the Chill Factore – although this was only a seasonal job and lasted just two months, I still gained valuable skills which have helped me apply for more jobs since. There was a lot of interaction with the general public in this job – each aspect had to be done professionally, but still in character. I learnt valuable money handling techniques which showed I could be trusted and in the time I spent working there, I was never late nor did I ever miss a shift.

Having these skills on my CV helped me when applying for jobs. I got a lot more interviews, and then eventually got a job at The Marriott Hotel where I work in the restaurant. I have to keep up with the hotel’s high standard which means I must always look presentable and professional. Team work is a big part of my job. If one part of the team fails, then things could go bad very quickly.

Doing media at college has helped me gain skills that I might not have got otherwise. I am a lot more confident on programmes such as Adobe Premiere and Photoshop, and understand that media isn’t always just about the creative side. There is a lot of theory behind it to back your work up. I really enjoy media at college. It gives you room to express yourself in a way that you wouldn’t be able to do in a non-creative subject.

Therefore I have decided to carry on in a media route during University. I am really interested in pursuing Journalism on a more specific course as I have enjoyed it from a very young age.