Personal Statement - International Development and Food Policy

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

My main reason for applying to this course is to enable me to become part of the movement to bring changes to the way development and food policies are managed. I am conscious of the vast inequalities in the standard of living of peoples of the world.

I have been interested in food production and sustainable development for some time now. I believe this interest has been a natural progression for me from growing up in a family that has been focused on expanding the way in which people think about their environment. My father is involved in teaching people about sustainable architecture and how to achieve a mortgage-free life. Over the past few years I have been helping him in this business and through this I have come to learn that the lifestyle choices people make in the 'developed' world can have far reaching and serious consequences on people in less fortunate circumstances. I believe this course can enhance my skills and give me the knowledge needed to make a difference in world issues where it counts.

I am interested in how globalisation has changed agricultural practices and created social injustice worldwide. Increasingly, there is a need to address the issue of food security as it is threatened by climate change and peak oil and those who live in the developing world are especially vulnerable.

The topic of food became a focus for me as a result of building my own sustainable home and living lightly on the land. I have found the issue of creating sustainable shelter naturally leads one on to examining the topic of food security.

I believe the time has now come for me to step out more and fully dedicate myself to a passion that has been growing inside me - that of international cooperation and local community development in these times of change. It would mean a lot to me to be offered a place on this course as I believe I am suited to it and I could fully benefit from the opportunities it offers.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

After my Leaving cert, I was drawn to explore a range of disciplines particularly practical ones. I began a PLC course in Practical Sustainability in Kinsale Co. Cork which included various modules in including organic horticulture and permaculture. During this time I lived as part of a community practising sustainable land care.

The permaculture aspect is what most interested me as it presented a whole view of sustainable living and land care rather than just focusing on vegetable growing. This spurred me to look for volunteer work abroad in this field so that through doing practical work I would learn how permaculture could help change agricultural practices in the developing world. While these grassroots projects are very valuable, I realised that there is huge influence and control from the developed world on agricultural practices. Until changes are made in international policies it will be a losing battle to help people change the way they farm the land.

My organisational and leadership skills are strong - I have helped organise several eco-festivals in Leitrim and Applied Permaculture courses in California. I have also worked as a children's English teacher in Spain and a restaurant supervisor here in Ireland. All of these positions have given me good management skills. I have some experience of teaching permaculture.

My recent enthusiasm has led to me to begin research into “real” food with organisations such as Slow Food International. I have also been reading about control of multinationals in seed and agricultural chemical sales and keeping up to date with GM Free Ireland. In the area of human rights and modern slavery, I am currently reading Kevin Bales' book "Ending Slavery" and keeping an eye on Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. I have also started reading George Soros' "Open Society - Reforming Global Capitalism" and I intend to continue expanding my library and my knowledge.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

I worked on a seed saving project and demonstration food garden in Guatemala and a permaculture farm and education centre in California. Seeing the poverty in Central America also made me question why inequalities between 'north and south' exist and what can be done to rectify them. Recently, I visited Australia where permaculture was first developed and saw some inspiring farms and gardens, including David Holmgren's (one of the founders of the movement). I really enjoyed my time abroad working on farms but I feel I have skills that might be better employed than just by working in a garden.

I am internationally aware - a mix of cultures in my family (American and Irish) and a changing environment growing up have ensured this. My family has lived in many places both around Ireland and internationally. I keep up to date with world affairs on the internet through media sites such as the International Herald Tribune and alternative news sites such as Alternet.

I have a passion for learning about people and their culture and language. I have spent time traveling and learning fluent Spanish, which has taught me good clear communication.

The last couple of years I have focused on personal development - learning traditional Irish music and working on a self-build family home and food garden with my parents in Leitrim. I have also been doing part time work as a self employed permaculture designer and gardener. This has developed my self-motivation and time management skills which will help me in my return to study. It has also taught me not to fear hard work.

How personal statements have changed?

The current personal statement format, with three 'scaffolding' questions, was introduced by Ucas in September 2025. This personal statement was submitted before then, using the old essay-style format. It has been carefully edited into the three-question format, with all of the original wording kept.

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