I have always been interested in the theme of Identity, and in subjects relating to people: history; geography; anthropology.  My first degree was in Latin American Studies and, when I saw that the government was offering loans for Masters, I decided to continue my studies.  I was drawn towards learning about Israel, where there is the similar microcosm of place and history, which attracted me to Latin American Studies.  SOAS has a reputation for being the best place to study the Middle East region, and I like the approach taken at SOAS: studying a subject from all aspects of the debate.  I am taking the course part-time, over two years, with modules in Zionist Ideology and Elementary Hebrew in the first year.  I had a basic knowledge of Hebrew before starting the course, but a complete beginner would soon pick up the language.  My tutors have been inspiring, and I would love to carry on and complete a PhD, and either remain in academia or look to a career with the Foreign Office either here or in Israel.