2022 PPE Hello! I’m Jake, a PPE finalist and I cannot wait to travel around North America this summer and meet some amazing Balliol alumni! Originally from Essex, I am a sociable and sporty person and love catching up with my friends at the pub or at Balliol bar. I have made some incredibly fond memories at Balliol over my three years here and it has shaped me into the person I am today - for that I am very grateful. Some of my favourite memories have been playing for the college football and rugby teams and being part of the amazing sports community at Balliol (even though sadly we never managed to bring home the cuppers trophy). My project will focus on the workings of the US prison system, its relationship to capitalism and how it is perceived across the US. Having previously travelled across Hong Kong and Vietnam, I’m really interested in the potential cultural differences across Asia and North America and I’m very excited to gain new perspectives, share experiences and meet new people.