Motivation Letter – Gap Year 1

I first became interested in Chemistry at GCSE level as this was the first time that I had studied
the sciences separately. I found it a subject that I understood and have continued to find
thoroughly enjoyable and achieve very well in. I am currently spending my year out working as an
Analytical Chemist for xxxxx and I am finding my interests towards a career using Chemistry
continually confirmed.

At A-level I found all the topic areas covered by my course fascinating, including the Biochemistry
option at A2 where the chemistry of cell processes and organic compounds was described. The
overlap with modules studied in Biology was very valuable and I found it satisfying to have certain
concepts explained in more depth – for example the reasons for solubility of carbohydrate
polymers and why nucleic base pairs only occur between complementary bases (or rather, why
they are complementary).

I enjoy learning theoretical concepts and applying them to problems – this is my common interest
between Chemistry and studying Mathematics at A-level. I feel my interest and ability in
Mathematics has helped me a great deal in how I approach similar problems in areas of Chemistry
and I would welcome any opportunity to further my Mathematical study alongside Chemistry.

I also thoroughly enjoy learning practical techniques; at A-level it was applied in coursework.
Being given the opportunity to visit the University of Surrey in the first year in order to perform a
practical was fascinating and a useful as a glimpse into university study. It involved preparing a
sample of aspirin and analysing it using Thin Layer Chromatography and Infra-Red Spectroscopy.
Having also observed these techniques in the workplace has allowed me to appreciate the link
between studying and application in industry.

My work place experiences have also shown me the standards of accuracy and precision
expected and their importance, especially at xxxxx where drugs are being tested and so Good
Manufacturing Practice regulations have to be followed. I have been able to apply some principles
from A-level study, such as accuracy in using pipettes, burettes and volumetrics.

To begin with I have been performing simple extractable volume and pH tests on cytotoxic
samples, preparing mobile phase for use in HPLC machines, creating analytical specifications on
a computer database, and carrying out swabbing of isolators and mobile vessels for cleaning
validation. My training is being continued in the use of other analytical equipment for UV-Visible
spectroscopy and Water content analysis. Being able to observe the use of such machinery,
including the HPLC machines, I feel will give me a great advantage in my study at university.
Last summer I went on a mountain trekking expedition to Morocco organised by First Challenge
and I feel it will always remain one of the best experiences I have ever had. It was a fantastic
example of team-work and the group spirit was overwhelmingly strong – everyone achieved so
much and supported each other through difficulty. I am already planning to continue travelling,
including a venture at some time during my gap year, and am confident I will continue to build on
the skills and experiences I began in Morocco – as a leader as well as a team member.

As a student I take great pride in my work, especially in large projects such as essays and science
coursework and try extremely hard to meet deadlines.

I have a great love of music and during my gap year I am intending to start violin lessons again
as well as possibly learning the guitar. I have also enrolled in classes to learn Russian. A friend
and I are planning a trip there in the future but I also feel that I would enjoy the challenge learning
would pose.
Motivation Letter – Gap Year 2

A trip to the capital city of Iceland; Reykjavík, shaped distinctively by its earthquakes and volcanic
eruptions, I noticed how fundamental tourism and investment in geothermal energy had resulted
in a strong correlation of economic growth for the country. This first began in the 1990’s. Iceland
took on extensive free market reforms that also contributed to a high level of economic freedom,
as well as forming a nation which topped the HDI. With abundant energy resources and like-
minded eco- friendly inhabitants, sustainability was promising. However, 2010’s Eyjafjallajokull’s
volcanic explosion had caused 150,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide being emitted into the
atmosphere per day, disrupted air patterns and shut down the air space of 20 countries. This
example had presented that human and physical geography, with their many individual factors,
had coincided. These two elements combined can explain the reasons for both of our past and
present’s environmental and economic climates, and may even help us to predict our futures. It
is for these reasons that I question: Will we ever have the power to solely govern our planet, by
artificially altering our physical surroundings. Or does Mother Nature play a bigger role than we
had once hoped for?

A gap year has not only allowed me to begin volunteering at Camley’s Street Education
Programme. A project responsible for environmental education, that includes practical work, and
general maintenance around the park. I thoroughly enjoy spending my time working locally; as I
believe I am making a greater impact. I was also in the position to be able to find employment to
finance my future studies, as the position of the personal assistant for the director of a commercial
electrical contractor and portable appliance testing company. This opportunity has also led me to
have experience with solar panel installations and inspired me to study Physics AS. Being
particularly fond of environmental conservation; I spent a week at Landmark barrister’s chamber
that provides legal advice and advocacy in four key areas: Environment, Planning, Property and
Public Law. This experience allowed me to use my Geographical skills within the English Legal
system that I found greatly rewarding.

I fuel my knowledge on global matters not only by reading the Natural Geographic, but the New
Scientist and the Economist as well. Throughout the course of my A level studies, I spent
independent time researching other controversial topics, as well as being intrigued by human
geography and its comparable link with Economics and Politics.

I held the post as environmental ambassador run by Peace Child, a non-profit organisation. By
visiting primary schools I was able to independently organize lessons and present to pupils the
importance of climate change and sustainability, through a series of power points, games and
video clips. Our achievements included gaining environmental status for the school, with being
funded for our largest project of installing a 2.5 kHz wind turbine. Participating in all aspects of
school life, from senior dancing in annual school musicals, guiding on open days and representing
the school in yearly Barnet Gymnastic and Trampoline Competitions has helped me gain excellent
time management skills. Alongside my studies I have trained in the theatre, classical ballet and
modeling for an agency. I am currently studying Grade 9 Ballet and Jazz. On yearly summer and
winter vacations to Austria, my hobbies include glacial skiing and sailing; this was another starting
point for my fascination of different ecosystems and their processes.

I believe that my academic experience, personal skill set and versatility mean that I would be the
perfect candidate to study geography. My future ambition may even follow a legal path as I enjoy
my focus being on environmental and planning issues. As well as this I would possibly like to
educate and inspire others about the importance of Geography and how every element of the
subject fits tightly into modern day society.