Zoology Personal Statement

I am applying to study Zoology because of my enthusiasm for the environment and my fascination for living organisms. I am particularly interested in physiology and animal behaviour, as well as ecology and biodiversity which I have studied at A level, and would welcome the opportunity of acquiring further
knowledge on biological aspects with a focus on animals.

I am currently hoping for a work experience placement at the Cotswold Wildlife Park or with the Oxford Preservation Trust, and intend to travel abroad on a wildlife conservation project. Eventually I hope to pursue a career in an organisation such as Bom Free Foundation, WWFN, or to carry out research of my own on animals in their natural habitat.
My genuine interest in Zoology has been broadened by popular literature by Steven Jay Gould such as 'Hen's teeth and Horse's Toes'; this proved exciting and explanatory. I have visited. Science and Natural History museums, and television nature documentaries alongside Geography and Biology lessons help me appreciate the pressures on wildlife today.

My A level subjects support my interest in the overlap between real-life studies, scientific theory and the 'wider economic and social context as explored in General Studies. I lived in Portugal until recently and am bilingual in English and Portuguese. I find studying French very useful for travel. I have been on both Biology and Geography residential courses in which I leant valuable fieldwork techniques and practised working individually as well as with others.

Outside school I have a part-time job at WHSmith as a Sales Assistant and I help at the Bradmore nursery in north Oxford for Millennium Volunteers, which complements my babysitting skills. I have also made collections for charity, namely for the 'Leprosy Relief Association' and 'The Red Cross'.

I found my work experience at the Oxford University Department of Experimental Psychology in
February 2000 very stimulating and I continue to take part in current research studies at the department as part of the control group As a result of these commitments I have become more ambitious, determined, and responsible and have a better understanding of the world of work.

I enjoy reading novels, spending time with friends and dancing. I attend the Royal Academy of Dancing Ballet school and I am working towards my grade 8.

I have taken part in Ballet shows, a Fashion show for Young Enterprise and more recently was a member of the backstage crew for the school production.
I have an interest in sport, I have been mountain climbing, scuba diving and snorkelling and take pleasure in swimming, cycling and ice- skating.
I'm very much looking forward to the work and the social side at University, meeting new people and extending my studies to a field that fascinates me.