So, who is better than who?

This entry has been created solely for academic purposes only. Issues are brought up and discussed on an impartial stand and the author bears no responsibility if any part of this entry is to offend any parties involved.

According to the list of definitions given as part of our readings, culture can be broadly defined as "the shared patterns of behaviors and interactions, cognitive constructs, and affective understanding that are learned through a process of socialization. These shared patterns identify the members of a culture group while also distinguishing those of another group." 

Undoubtedly, culture is a form of social cement that brings and bonds people with common values and beliefs together as a society/community. Since religion can be considered a major part of culture, I will attempt to evaluate intercultural behaviour through an analysis on the differences in religious views.

I remember having lunch with Ernie, Barney and Sweety at Sakae Sushi one afternoon. Ernie and Barney happened to start a discussion on the subject of religion, specifically Christianity. It started off pretty much like any other random conversation which 2 good friends would have. But it didn't take long before they started disagreeing with each other even though they've been the best of friends for more than a decade. Based on my memory, this was the conversation between them:

*Fictitious names are used to protect the identities of the people involved*


Ernie: I don't really like the way you Christians try to convert people to believe in your religion.

Barney: What about?

Ernie: I mean, not that I have anything against you people. We've been studying in a Christian school for God knows how long! Even though I'm pretty much used to such culture, I wonder why I still can't accept it.

Barney: Did you even try to? I mean, did you even give yourself a chance to embrace it?

Ernie: I did! You have no idea how many times I've tried! I've followed people to church services, prayed, did all the things I'm "supposed" to do! But I still don't find any part of myself Christian and what I can't accept is the fact that many Christians think that by accepting Christ, I will go to Heaven. And so, what happens to me now? I've tried. I can't find myself accepting Christ. So, does that mean I will be sent to Hell instead? Well, in that case, *Ernie turns to Sweety and says* I will see you in Hell!
Barney: No, this doesn't mean that you have to be a Christian to be able to go to Heaven, it just means that by believing in Christ you accept Him in your life, and to share a connection with Him. 

Ernie: *rolls his eyes* OH WHATEVER!

I chose to stay out of the whole conversation to avoid any further misunderstandings. Honestly, I felt that the whole disagreement was unneccesary. It was obviously just a clash of opinions. I believe that each culture, more so religious culture in this scenario, has their own set of beliefs and values. Therefore, I thought it was rather rude of Ernie to spew such sarcastic comments without giving much consideration to Barney, who is his best friend for many years even though he was a devoted Christian. Perhaps this is a classic demonstration of the fact that culture, not only in the form of religion, can be vastly different not only between nations, but between companies, families and even friends.

In this situation, it is evident that the impression of Christianity differs between someone who is part of this religious culture and someone who is not. From Ernie's perspective, being someone outside of this culture group, he found himself struggling to understand and attach himself to some of the values and beliefs of this culture. As such, Ernie would find concepts like Heaven and beliefs relating to it hard to accept  On the contrary, Barney, being someone who was born into and grew up in this culture group, he does not find himself having any trouble immersing in the beliefs of this culture. He knows too well what it means to accept Christ into his life, sharing a connection with God, finding solace in God and living his life the Christian way.

Being a non-Christian myself, I find myself facing some difficulty understanding such abstract Christianity concepts. As a student for 2 years in a Christian Junior College, I have witnessed how Christianity has transformed my friends' lives for the better. Despite not being a believer in Christianity, I can understand how much the belief in God means to Christians. Christianity, like any other religious culture, provides its believers with a set of values and beliefs that play a major role in governing their behaviour. As a form of social cement, religious culture also bonds people of the same cultural group together through various activities. Be it Christianity, Buddhism or other religions, religious functions such as church services and temple festivities serve as effective platforms for interaction and communication between individuals with the same beliefs.

In this aspect, I believe that every individual (in this case, Ernie) is entitled to his own opinions. However, every individual should also bear in mind the need for sensitivity and self-consciousness when communicating with individuals of a different cultural group. It is of utmost importance for individuals to understand and respect the differences of another culture compared to their own. As such, individuals would be able to communicate their opinions in a less offensive manner and be flexible enough to accept any differences in perspectives. It is only through this way that cultural differences and practices can truly be embraced and appreciated.

Personal Statement

I think that the traits that sets me apart from the rest would be the braveness to take up new challenges and having a strong will to make things right. I believe I have demonstrated these traits in all the co-curricular activities which I have participated in since my secondary school days.

Being part of the track and field team in my secondary days has certainly helped to develop me into an individual who is mentally strong. I had physical training 3 times a week  and each session was equally physically draining. The only thing I had left to depend on was my mental strength. Based on my performance and good attitude at each training session, my trainer and my teacher-in-charge decided to choose me as a representative for my school in the National Schools Track & Field Championship. Looking back, I consider myself quite fortunate to be selected to represent my school in the National Schools Track & Field Championship as each competition serves as an excellent opportunity to put my mental strength to the test. As a javelin thrower, I had to face immense stress because all my competitors would be watching as I took my turn, alone. Therefore, after each competition, whether I managed to achieve a position into the Top 8 positions or not, I emerged as a stronger individual. This trait that I have developed over the period of 3 years has helped me accomplish much more as I move on to the next phase of my education.

When I went through an interview to be part of the Organizing Committee of Ethelontêr VI (freshmen orientation camp for NUS CSC) in the early part of this year, I was presented with the position of the Logistics Director. Being a female, I would definitely pale in comparison to a male in terms of physical strength. But I decided to take up the challenge anyway. Given only 2 hours of sleep on each day of the camp, I relied very heavily on my willpower to  co-ordinate the movement of logistics with all the people in-charge of the camp programmes as well as my logistics cell. This has definitely helped to make sure that everything goes according to plan and minimized the  possibility of disorganisation. Although the camp was extremely exhausting and physically demanding, I did not regret my decision in taking up that challenge. I had a great time and did a good job with my logistics cell. Recently, I decided to be brave and take up another challenge of being the Honorary Assistant Treasurer in the 8th Management Committee of NUS CSC. I believe that with what I have achieved and developed as an individual, coupled with my strong willpower, I would be able to fulfil my duties to the best of my ability.

Perhaps the most memorable point for me to take home from the camp besides the experience and fun was the fact that I was the first ever female logistics director in the 6 years of camp history, who didn’t even know how to drive a van! :D

P.S just in case you guys are wondering about the van part, most logistics directors should have the ability to drive a manual van to ferry logistics around. 

[EDITED: Thursday, September 17, 9:35PM]

Would You Hire Me?

In order to save myself from typing out the job specifications, I've decided to take a screenshot of the job application that I will be using to write my application letter! (:

So here comes my application letter.
______________________________________________________________

September 3, 2009

Dear Sir/Madam

Medical Technologist (Haematology) at SGH, Reference: SGH/RES/0809/022

In response to career opportunities posted on 18th August 2009 on the Careers@SingHealth website, I am writing to express my keen interest in joining your team of Medical Technologists. In addition, I have also enclosed my resume for your kind reference.

As a 3rd year undergraduate majoring in Life Sciences (Biomedical Science) at NUS, I believe I am equipped with the skills and qualities relevant to this position. I am aware that the job scope of this position involves techniques such as RT-PCR and DNA sequencing. Having taken a module in Experimental Molecular Biology in my 2nd year of study, I am adequately experienced in the procedures involved in the above mentioned techniques. Being a fast and earnest learner, I am willing to pick up any additional skills during the job. In addition, I thrive well under stress and step up to working efficiently in fast pace working environments.

Being an active member in the NUS Student’s Community Service Club (CSC), I am able to prioritise my tasks effectively. As the Honorary Deputy Treasurer in the 8th Management Committee and work experience as a part-time cashier, I have undertaken responsibilities which required me to be meticulous and conscientious. I am also a very committed person, supported by my consistent attendance in regular volunteering sessions at Chen Su Lan Methodist Children’s Home. These qualities are highly relevant to the position of a medical technologist as working professionally in a laboratory requires one to be committed, cautious and organised.

As a motivated individual equipped with leadership skills, I was given the chance to hone my inter-personal and organisational skills by leading the logistics cell for the Freshmen Orientation Camp in 2009. Such skills would be essential should there be any critical decision-making processes and collaborative work in your research laboratory. Moreover, being a creative individual, I was appointed the Décor I/C in the Graduation Night Organising Committee in 2005 and managed to successfully implement my constructive ideas. Therefore, in a situation where an alternative solution is needed, I believe I would be able to rise up to the occasion and put my creativity to good use.

Given my skills and capabilities, I believe I have the qualities and motivation that you are looking for. A career with you in the Research & Development industry will definitely provide me with the chance to be part of a challenging yet exciting working environment. Therefore, I strongly believe if given an opportunity to work with you, I would be of great service and value to your department.

I would be delighted to discuss more about my job scope and application with you. I can be easily contacted through phone and/or email as indicated below. Thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours Sincerely,

Sherlynn Chan

(Address)

Mobile: 97884122

Email: sher__lynn@hotmail.com