Holiday!

I'm going away tomorrow *sob* till the very end of August. I will miss reading everyone's blogs.

I am off to france with family and plan to spend lots of time reading, mainly physics books! I hope everyone has a fab summer.

I am sorry about the lack of posts, but summer is always a busy time. In the mean time you can read my truely horrible over long UCAS personal statement:

The sciences, physics in particular, have always interested me as I have always had a desire to find out how everything in the universe works, and why things behave the way they do. For example, why does a pendulum of a set length always swing at the same rate regardless of its mass? Physics appeals to me because physics alone can describe the laws of the universe in a simple and elegant way; and it will be physics that will hopeful solve some of humanity’s biggest problems such as finding renewable energy sources. I enjoy investigating problems experimentally as well as solving problems using theoretical and mathematical methods. I also enjoy physics because it often comes up with new and interesting challenges.

I enjoy reading about physics and have read books by prominent Physics authors and lecturers such as Gribbin, Feynman and Close; and I have attended lectures on subjects such as Relativity, Lasers and optics, and particle physics.

I find physics research a particularly dynamic and exciting area, and I keep track of what is happening by reading New Scientist regularly. I am especially interested in nuclear and particle physics, as subatomic particles are the basis of the entire universe, and I believe research into this field will eventually shed light on the Unified Field Theory. For the option module of my Physics AS exam, I have taught myself the material required for the Nuclear and Particle Physics option, as this appealed to me more than the other options on offer. I am also interested in nanotechnology and its uses in quantum computing, and the possibility of Fusion Power. I am very excited about the new fusion research facilities that are being built in Europe, as this, along with LHC at CERN in Geneva, will be a fantastic resource for European Physicists. After graduation I hope to go into research, hopefully in a theoretical field, and would enjoy working there.

I am also interested in links between science and technology and business and enterprise. I have attended a course at Begbrook Science Park on how science and enterprise is related.

Next year I will be helping out in physics classes lower down the school as part of the community service project at my school. I enjoy explaining physics to other people, and think this helps my own understanding.

I also have many extra-curricular interests. The theatre has always been a major part of my life, and I have been a member of Oxford Youth Theatre (OYT) since I was 14. I have played a role in three plays with OYT, as well as several at school, and have also spent a year in the OYT marketing group. I am a longstanding member of the OYT Member’s Committee, and have regularly contributed to the group’s termly magazine. This year I have been part of the production group, working backstage, operating lights and acting as stage manager. I particularly enjoy stage managing despite the fact it requires a great level of responsibility and organisation.

I have spent a fortnight with Pegasus Theatre on a work experience placement in their administration department. During this period I learnt more about the working environment and gained important work related skills such as time management and teamwork.

I hope continue working back stage with theatre groups whilst at university. I also enjoy going to the theatre to see plays of all types, and modern dance. I am particularly interested in physical theatre, and ways in which multimedia can be combined with drama and dance.

Another key part of my life is sailing. I have been sailing Challengers at my local reservoir for three years, and won the Best Novice award at the UK Nationals in Cardiff last year. This year I came sixth in the English National Championship. Challengers are three-hulled boats, or trimerans, designed specifically for disabled sailors of all abilities. They are fantastic to race in and the Challenger circuit is very competitive. There is currently a campaign to make the Challenger a paralympic class, hopefully in time for London 2012. My other sporting interests include Chess and Wheelchair Basketball.

For the last year I have been part of the Envision Group at my school. Envision is a charity that supports sixth formers with charity and environmentalist projects. I was part of a group that organised an acoustic rock concert for charity that was held in February. It sold out and we managed to raise over £300 pounds for Arco Iris, a Bolivian charity that gives support to street children in La Paz. We hope to repeat the event early next academic year.

It's all about painting a good picture :).