Friday 7 October 2016

Personal Statement

Two words likely to strike a note of terror in the hearts of any parent of a child applying to university. I use the word 'child' advisedly as they are on the brink of adulthood, teetering on that precipice of maturity and yet they still want a hug, have a penchant for sweets and maybe haven't quite been able to discard their favourite stuffed toy from childhood.

I have two options with regard to the writing of this thing that has taken on the portent of a 'make or break' , once in a lifetime opportunity to realise their dreams or have their hope dashed. Should I leave my boy to his own devices, after all , the clue is in the word 'personal' or should I wade in, all guns blazing with suggested templates, a proof reading manual at the ready and a head full of what I think it should contain ? Those who know me well will have guessed the answer and yet as I sit here attempting a draft version of my own, I realise how daunting the task must be to a seventeen year old.

I know for a fact that any suggestions I make will be taken as a thinly veiled attempt at maternal, domineering interference. I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place - I know it well, I've spent many hours here over the years.

I'm eagerly awaiting his first draft then I plan on hitting the amazon ' How to crack the Personal Statement Nightmare' bookshelf... or the off licence dependent on outcome.