What Inspires Me to Study Economics

Throughout society, there is a constant divide between the significance of fair trade. Looking back at the corruption of mineral wealth in my hometown of Kabul made me question how government policy could be adapted to better allocate these scarce resources. This inspired me into studying economics and analyse theories such as David Ricardo's theory of comparative advantage which helped me explore how mutually beneficial gains are created through trade between countries.

What captivates my attention is the synopticity of economics; this enables me to make vital connections with real-world matters. I remember listening to a Tony Robbins podcast where he explained the reasons for global poverty. I enjoyed the part where he delved deep into the correlation of consumer behaviour, with their nominal income and how they differ depending on the external circumstances (PESTLE). This quickly enabled the study of economics to become a special interest of mine.

The countless controversies surrounding how fossil fuels are crucial to the middle eastern economy have caught my attention and have become the focus of my Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which studies monopolies in the emerging markets in the middle east. This is to gain a greater understanding of the thought process of economists and environmental consultant specialists and learn more about the impact of fossil fuels from both consumers and producers perspectives. My desire to explore more about pure market economies lead me to read Tim Harford's undercover economist, I found the chapter where he talks about rational insanity quite fascinating, as it introduced me to the theory of 'random walk', this helped me grasp onto other economic models such as game theory and conclude on how they all interlink.

I used every opportunity to expand my experience in the financial world. Shadowing a senior manager at a retail bank, via the social mobility foundation (APP), enabled me to apply and adapt my knowledge and skills which I learnt throughout the process. I developed my communication skills greatly, boosting both my confidence and my professionalism. During my summer holiday break, I took part in Ernest and Young's (EY) work placement. I was guided and given the task to work with employees to create an app that tackles mental health problems; this then had to be presented back to the partners of EY. During our research and development stage, we had to consider aspects such as consumer demands and the microenvironment. Being in this atmosphere captivated me and further sparked my desire to attend university. I have always made a conscious effort to practise gratitude by partaking in voluntary placements such as the Independent Academic Research Studies International Institute (IARS), where I made a concentrated effort to help the charity promote gender equality and set up anti-racism campaigns. The experiences exposed me to some of the difficult realities of the outside world, especially when there is little to be done to help young adults like us. However, these successful campaigns have helped me strengthen my organisational and planning abilities.

Outside of my professional and academic experience, I am a student with a numerous range of abilities. I've been part of a basketball team, where I have learnt the value of teamwork and patience. I was able to showcase my creative nature by being a published poet by the Young Writers Truth or Dare games. Having also completed the Duke of Edinburgh Award has provided me with the possibility to broaden my skillset and develop various attributes such as team building, an increase in my self-esteem and self-awareness. These activities have led me to the belief that I have the capability and the willpower to study economics at a higher level.