Personal Statement

Personal Statement
Do you have the experience that you could do nothing about the things because of the money and power? It was a cold and heartless day that I witnessed the same coldness in people’s heart. My uncle was dead in a sudden accident. People who caused this accident were powerful and rich. Although the new media was also on the spot, they chose to keep silence about this accident. The last bit of hope that we had was no longer existed.
Later I learned about the journalist after my cousin went into the school of journalism in college. He told me that even if the social injustice and dark side existing in the news media, the media still is the most powerful tool on earth. It is not so much that the media explicitly tell you what to think but instead, more subtly, suggests what to think about, providing the parameters within which one’s thoughts are constrained. So long as the conscientious journalists from all media and specialties strive to serve to public with thoroughness and honesty, the miserable experience will no longer be existed.
Throughout the duration of my high school, I regularly entered the Scholastic Writing Awards and in my final year, earned a qualification in fiction. I gained my first real taste of journalism in high school, where I worked on the school newspaper for half a year. During that time, I reported on school events and spent a month as editor. I never missed a deadline and was able to complete my school work to a high standard at the same time.
As I moved on to university, my interest in writing never stopped. I was part of the college team that produced the annual student magazine, contributing in the marketing department while making writing contributions at the same time.
Currently, I major in English in Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunication. During my studies I have come to realize that in the field of journalism, education is the beat when it is linked with experience. Therefore, to widen my perspective of the journalism industry, I have taken up various internship positions to enhance my learning and provide me with the experience that I need. My internship at an newspaper company led me to gain valuable experience of the operations of a major publishing company. I feel that this internship has opened my eyes to a world different than mine- broadcast journalism, and I can ensure that I will take back treasured memories while having honed my news writing skills.
Most importantly, this experience helped me to understand the benefit of good time management and organizational skills which are necessary due to the tight deadlines that newspapers work to. Whilst studying for my exams has meant that I have had some practice at employing these skills, I am seeking to expand and build upon them within the field of journalism.
I pride myself on being well organized and thorough in my research. I have also developed many skills such as interview techniques and being able to see things from another perspective, a skill I have acquired through Sociology and Communication Studies, analytical skills through Film Studies and Media Studies and I have learnt about analyzing and collating numerical data and factual evidence in my elective course Psychology. Besides studying in my major English, I also took two year out to study Japanese. I did this in order to improve my grades and to give me a wider choice of qualifications as my previous subjects are all very similar with their syllabus as well the fact multiple languages would be an invaluable advantage to have when working in the area of communication.
My short term goals include gaining a degree in English from an academic establishment that can help me nurture and develop the communication skills, whilst simultaneously assisting me to gather new skills. My long term goals include working with a regional newspaper to gain some useful work experience and then to work for a national newspaper reporting on international news. I would also like to spend some time working as a freelance journalist so that I learn about the various types of media.
Some of my outside interests are music, politics, the Internet and reading. Music in particular is a great love of mine, I regularly attend lives and concerts and have been an active member of the guitar association for over a year, and I find it very fulfilling and enjoyable. Another one of my interests is the Internet, I contribute articles to some literature websites, which I enjoy greatly and is helping to enhance my writing skills. I have a part time job waitressing at a local hotel which I do a few nights a week. It gives me a sense of my own independence and responsibility.
I am a sociable person who would enjoy being a part of an academic atmosphere and would sincerely welcome the opportunity to take the next step in achieving my goal of becoming a journalist. I am eager to learn and looking forward to being able to share my enthusiasm with like-minded peers and lecturers. If given a place at the University of Cambridge, I would be able to offer a dedication and passion for journalism, as well as a desire for excellent results and high standards. My dream is to become a responsible journalist so that people will have the ability to fight against power and money.