Bournemouth and Poole College application
Dominic Crossley
Personal Statement:
Since the age of sixteen, I have always considered computing to be my favourite hobby. Beginning with a desire to understand how the internet worked, I progressed to reading about areas related to software, hardware, design and computer history. As my interest grew my desire to learn progressed. This path of sporadic learning led to the topic of free and open software, a matter I am now passionate about, from which I developed a keen fondness for the Linux/BSD ecosystem. I have partaken in a number of personal projects including setting up a home NAS server on a mini ARM computer, designing graphic content for personal websites, repairing faulty hardware and software, and experimenting with multiple operating systems.
On the matter of video games, my interest lies largely in the design process. I often find myself researching pre-production art and storyboards, especially that of games created by Oddworld Inhabitants and Valve. I have had experience using various programs to create content , including Photoshop, Inkscape and the GNU Image Manipulation Program.
These interests have grown progressively throughout my teenage years. Now in full time employment, I still strive to learn what I can independently, however I feel greatly limited in both time and energy due to the exhausting nature of my work. I hope that this course will give me the opportunity to truly make something of my passions.
Game and web development requires technological aptitude, but also equal amounts of aesthetic understanding. Having had experience in both fine art and graphic design I feel this unison of disciplines is very well suited to my skills.
As for my aspirations, I would love to see myself five years from now working in one of two fields. These being either systems administration or creative work; specifically website/UI design. My reasoning for giving two options here is that having so much yet to learn, I could not say for sure which discipline I would be strongest in.
I currently work at a stone masonry in the New Forest. My duties have included transporting and fitting stone pieces, operating heavy machinery and using the stock database. I have also successfully obtained my fork lift drivers licence.
Asides from technology my interests include mechanics, cooking, travel, architecture and swimming. I currently live in the new forest area, but if accepted into this course I plan to move in with my father who lives much closer to the college.
Previous achievements:
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award
Platinum sea scout award
RLSS poolside Lifeguard certification
