Personal Statement:Philosophy and Hispanic Studies 1

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

With a dual heritage (European-African), I am intrigued by differences in culture and ways of thinking. For me, language expresses those differences, giving insight into cultures and their values. That is why I have chosen to study a language; Spanish is the one I enjoy most. Philosophy gives the extra challenge to enable me to question common assumptions especially across cultural-linguistic divides. I find Singer refreshing for example because he follows the logic of his arguments even if the outcome contradicts conventional moralities. It was midway through my AS studies that I began to appreciate how much these disciplines overlapped. Becoming fluent in a language means I have to rethink ingrained thought patterns leading to how cultural moral values are expressed. It goes beyond learning grammar and vocabulary to raise fundamental questions about meaning and the translation of ideas. Equally, approaching the same issues via Philosophy means you have to question the ways in which language both expresses and shapes or constrains understanding. Learning Spanish gives me insight into the challenges of effective and critical communication. Chomsky's theories of language, especially the idea that grammar is an innate and necessary condition of personhood, have also made me think a lot.

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

Reading Spanish stories or books has underlined the links between language and philosophy. I was interested by 'Las Bicicletas Son Para El Verano' because it explores the impact of the Spanish Civil War which intrigues me; I have also enjoyed reading Harry Potter in Spanish and a novel by Perez-Riverte. In different ways, both of them raise questions about morality and individual choice, something that is also discussed in Camus' 'The Outsider'. Using Philosophy to think about these issues is really stimulating. Mill is a constant influence that everyone comes back to but offers a different view from Camus especially in 'The Plague'. I know from practical experience that I enjoy learning and working in Spanish. In March I spent a week in Spain teaching children in a primary school. The immersion made me fall in love with the way that aspects of Spanish culture were expressed in the daily life I was part of. It helped me appreciate the hard work needed to become truly fluent in Spanish and I intend to make the most of any opportunity to engage with Hispanic cultures in the summer after my A Levels.

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

I also know that I can motivate myself to study at the kind of level and intensity needed for university work. I am undertaking an Extended Project, meaning the research and writing up is done in my own time. I am also used to juggling my commitments given my involvement with my youth theatre's performances in places such as the National Theatre and various sporting interests including tennis, parkour and football.

Acting has given me confidence too and this has helped me to become involved in activities at Woodhouse where I am currently Chair of the Student Council. One of our greatest achievements was contributing to the GBP 250,000 new Learning Zone. I took a lead in my college's Anti-Slavery Week, organising and running the majority of events while running the entire week, raising GBP 1,500. All of this has honed organisational and practical skills which will stand me well at university.

I am very focused on my commitments which include Spanish and Philosophy and a desire to communicate my ideas effectively. Above all, I want to further my own capacity to think for myself, to reflect on what it means to speak another language and how our relationship with society should be constructed. That is why I want to do not just a degree but one in Spanish and Philosophy.

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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