FECK! Im writing my personal statement...

[OracleInaCoracle]

why is it so hard? and how can I put mn in my hobbies (well, my only hobby apart from wiping snot off my clothes) without alerting the uni to the fact that i have no life and dont even go out anymore?

lissie, I've seen some short poems you've written on mumsnet, they were really good, also you have an interest in fertility. I'm sure they are loads of things you can put on your statement

thanks, i just find it so hard. its such a british problem isnt it? my instinct is to say: im alright, but nothing special. so far I have this;

I am a mature well rounded individual looking to retrain as a holistic therapist, focusing on Reflexology following the birth of my son in 2005. I am coming to the end of a Level 3 VTCT diploma in holistic therapies which I have thoroughly enjoyed, and now wish to take my understanding of this subject to the next level. As a part of the diploma I have been offering treatments to friends and family, as well as working within the salon environment at the college.

Once I have qualified I would like to work at a fertility or midwife-led clinic offering complementary treatments to patients, I feel that I have the relevant skills to be able to do this well. My hobbies include reading, writing, walking and computing.

I am articulate and conscientious with a keen eye for detail. My previous work experience means that I am able to build good, professional relationships easily and I have proven leadership and organisational skills.

That's very good.

can you think of any examples of your leadership and organisational skills?

ummmm, I was responsible for all staff training/files and restaurant/room bookings for 5 businesses. should i put that in?

anyone?

Put everything in.

Put in that as a mum you have to have great time keeping skills and organisational skills.

I can't remember what I put on mine, but it worked!

ok, thanks!

also think you need to put in your personal skills - you always have an ear for anyone on here despite your own problems. Also time management skills, organisational skills, even maintaining the family budget is a skill.

and my typing skills are good!

Sounds good Lissie - I was writing mine a couple of months back and have been given an interview for a VERY competitive course so it must have been ok - might be something in it that will help. It goes like this...

I have been fortunate enough in my life to have had some wonderful teachers at both primary and secondary level and I feel that they left a lasting impression on me in such a positive way that I was inspired to want to learn for life. To be able to do the same for others would make me very happy. Having visited the Education open night at Edge Hill I feel that it is the best place for me to do my training.

I have many traits which, I think, would make me a good teacher. I am an enthusiastic person who has a very good rapport with children. In my work I have enjoyed building an atmosphere of mutual respect and as such, feel I have been able to get the best from the children. I particularly enjoy the arts and have a strong background in music and drama which I feel are good skills to have and use in the classroom. I set myself high standards in everything I do and feel that I would always give my best to this course and, eventually, to teaching.

I am very competent in IT and was awarded the Richard Lee Memorial Prize for Computing when I was in high school. Obviously IT is an area which is increasingly being used in education and I used a computer, the internet and WebCT virtual learning environment extensively during my studies last year and am always willing to learn more and keep up to date with the latest technology.

In my work and life I have also had a good level of experience working and spending time with children who have special educational needs particularly ADHD, Downs Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder. I have found this experience to be challenging yet enjoyable and ultimately very rewarding. I think this experience will stand me in good stead for further learning and work with SEN children.

I feel that my recent prior entry into higher education will give me a good start on this course as it has given me good experience of researching and writing essays, referencing and using online resources such as journals as well as some background knowledge on relevant subjects such as Child Development, Health and Life Chances, Provision for Children, Family Studies, Early Years Curriculum and Research Methods.

I am so excited at the prospect of starting this course at this Edge Hill and I would be very grateful if you would please consider my application.

wow, thats great!

thanks - I hope it helps - although I do think that what you have put already reads very well

thank you. Napier is a good uni, and i really dont want to have to go to wolverhampton!

So if you get in to Napier are you going to go for the big move then? I am a Scot but moved South of the border last year! Edinburgh is fab though!

i think we are!

Hi lissielou

I think what you have so far sounds really good. You could make it a bit more punchy though, for example,

"On qualification I intend to work in ....."

I sometimes think phrases such as "I would like to work" are a bit apologetic in tone, i.e. I would like to do this if that is ok. This seems to be a thing we do all the time as women, we don't like to push ourselves forward.

Also sell yourself more and change "I feel I have the skills..." to "I have the skills.."

For example,

"I have the relevant skills to enable me to be successful in this field of work, such as... (list skills)" This will also show them that you have specific job knowledge and have done your research. You could also expand on how you achieved those skills.

A few other questions that arise from reading your statement are:

Why do you want to retrain, you mention the birth of your son but don't expand on this, was becoming a mother the catalyst for change and why?

Also why do you want to specialise in Reflexolgy - what is it about this particular specialism that you find exciting and interesting?

I have not read any of your posts before so am in the same position as the admissions person reading your statement in that I know nothing about you - tell me more. You sound a really interesting person who obviously has enthusiasm for her subject but I'm not sure why.

Additionally sell yourself more on the practical experience you gained while doing the course. What did you gain from this in terms of skills - list them.

I hope these comments are helpful for you and you don't think I am being too critical. From what you are saying you sound really focused and that you have a goal in mind but I'm not sure you are really getting this across to your full advantage. Really sell yourself and tell them how wonderful you. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain - Good luck.

wow, thank you!