Time To Say Goodbye...

After being part of this module, my good friend introduced it to me. She thought the whole course was fun despite cursing the heavy workload as she went through the semester. The first thing that came to my mind when I thought of Professional Communication was the amount of writing and speaking I would be expected to do. Being the only child in the family, I was neither brought up to be a social creature, nor am I accustomed to interact with others. But I decided to go for this module anyway because I know it would come in very useful to possess such life-skills. So here I am. 

I walked into this class without knowing anybody, though that wasn't for long! The moment I stepped into class I saw Audrey and found her strikingly familiar, like I've seen her somewhere at some point in time in NUS. So I approached her, asked if she was in Life Sciences and indeed, she was! One friend found! Being from the same major, it wasn't difficult for us to clique and we decided to work together for the first assignment -- Peer Teaching. I must say the peer teaching experience was quite good. The atmosphere was relatively more relaxed and I've never felt more at ease at a presentation. Audrey and I made a good team so I decided to work with her for the project, together with Jas and Gwen who didn't know who to form groups with. There you have it, the formation of The WonderWomen!

The project was painful, yet ironically enjoyable. The very first hurdle was settling on a topic. After exploring several possibilities ranging from environmental to transport issues, WW decided to work on the Alumni. I felt we worked really well in terms of delegating parts of the proposal and being responsible for our work. The meetings, whether face-to-face or online, were not only effective in the completion of the proposal. Those numerous meetings also helped in building a good rapport, which came through quite clearly during our OP. We had good fun, and did good work. Since I'm on this, I would like to extend my gratitude to the WW -- Gwen, Jas and Audrey! THANK YOU GIRLS for waiting for me to finish lab/class to start the meetings! I truly feel bad that I had to make all of you wait, but I really really appreciate it! (: I'm rather positive that the bond forged in this module would continue on as we each pursue different dreams. 

ES2007S has indeed helped me grow, both personally and professionally. On a personal level, I've learnt how to work better in a group, how to make my presentation a more impactful and engaging one and how to interact with people I'm not familiar with and eventually bond with them. These are the essential life-skills which I'd certainly not be given a chance to learn in my major, and these are the experiences which I would probably remember for the rest of my life. On a more professional level, I've learnt the ropes to technical stuff such as drafting up the resume, application letter and proposal. Although the nature of such writing is rather different from the usual scientific reports I'm familiar with, it has definitely enriched my knowledge and ability to go about tackling these genres of writing in the future.

Through this course I've learnt not only to be a more dynamic and flexible individual, I'm really glad to be able to gain experience in presentations and speaking up in class. Not forgetting the 14 friends I've made through the course -- that includes you Brad! :D So, despite the headaches, due to dehydration of the brain because we're always require brain juice for all the blogposts, presentations and proposal (no, headaches don't happen that way, I'm just kidding), as well as high-blood pressure for staying up till 4am in the morning to edit our proposal and serious heart-pumping during the OP, I guess I'm still able to say: 

I WILL MISS ES2007S LESSONS

Presenting To You: The WonderWomen

"Experience is what you get when you 
didn't get what you wanted" ~Randy Pausch

Our team was the first to present and that definitely put a certain amount of pressure for us to perform well. I thought as a group we did quite well, I wouldn't say we were perfect but at the very least there was smooth transition from one member to another, and each of us presented our parts with much confidence. The presentation slide template was good and Q&A was also very well handled. I believe each of us put in our very best and there really isn't anything more I could expect from the other 3 Wonderwomen. They were awesome (:  THANK YOU, WONDERWOMEN!

I wouldn't say that yesterday's presentation was the best I've done, in fact, I thought I did better in the peer teaching presentation! ): Perhaps because the atmosphere in yesterday's presentation was much more stressful and tensed as compared to the peer teaching. Nonetheless, for the first time (or not I can't really remember) I've decided to present without the use of a script. It was pretty useful because then I had more chances to have more eye contact with the rest of the class as well as be more focused on what I'm saying instead of periodically referring back to my script frantically looking for where I left off. 

However, one major weakness in my presentation was the fact that I relied too much on the presentation slides. Perhaps it was the survey figures, or perhaps I just needed the security blanket like what Brad mentioned. Such an action just came so subtly and so unnoticeable to me! So that is one area I think I could work on and do better in my future presentations. Other than that, I thought I did rather okay, with good posture, good voice projection and good eye contact. I had relatively good knowledge on my slides and what I was presenting. 

But well, this presentation has undoubtedly gave me valuable experience which might come in very useful in the near future. Even though there were flaws in my presentation, I wouldn't be too disappointed in myself because I know I can learn from my mistakes and do better in the next presentation!

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

Dear Auntie/Uncle Agony,

Sociologist Karl Marx pioneered in the development of the Conflict Theory, which is still an area of study in Sociology today. The Conflict Theory proposes that continual struggles do exist in all different aspects of society. These struggles need not necessarily be of a physically violent nature. Instead, such struggles can be alternatively viewed as the efforts of individuals and/or groups of people trying to protect their own interests and fight for benefits.

It is of no doubt that each and every one of us is living in a competitive society today. Let me provide more background information before I go on to quote my friend’s example to illustrate this competitiveness in a less serious way. According to the Chinese zodiac signs, year 1988 is the year of the Dragon and henceforth, the “perfect” year to have a baby. As such, there is a significant baby boom in the year 1988.

One day, during a casual conversation, my friend brought it up to me about being rather tired of competing for everything in life and here’s what she said: When we were born, I bet we had to compete for places in the hospital nursery. As we grow up, we faced such stiff competition in all aspects of education. Soon, we will have to compete for our jobs. We must be prepared to compete for hospital beds when we’re old and sickly too!

When there is competition, it is highly likely for human beings to have clashing interests. Conflicts arise when human beings compete to protect and try to maximize their personal or group benefits. However, interpersonal conflicts also often arise due to opposing views and values of people, and this following story concerning two of my old friends would perhaps demonstrate this very clearly.

Lucy and Betty have been friends since secondary school. Though they weren’t close, they had no problems communicating and befriending each other. Despite being in different junior colleges, they eventually landed up in the same university. More surprisingly, they ended up being residential hall room-mates even though they had many differences in their personalities and living habits.

While they were cohabitating for a year or so, Lucy had some issues with the living habits of Betty. For example, Betty often left the used butter knife dirty or the Milo cup unwashed after using. As a result, ants manifested and this troubled Lucy, who was rather particular in the overall cleanliness of the room. However, being roomies and “chin-chai” (the hokkien term for easy-going and not fussy), Lucy has decided to let it go and compromise. They still managed to get along pretty well.

They went on fine until this particular day. Hall stay was coming to an end and hall productions had just ended not too long ago. Betty, being part of the organizing committee for this production, called Lucy up, asking for her opinions on the play. Lucy felt the need to be honest when being sought for opinions. As such, she told Betty the good points of the play. In addition to the plus points, she went on to critique on the choice of music for the play and how it could have been better. Betty, being the one in charge of the choice of music for the whole play, flew into a rage after hearing that comment.

Betty, being a perfectionist and a girl with especially high confidence levels (or should I say egoistic), found criticism hard to accept, especially so when it came from someone she has been living and communicating with. As such, she stopped all forms of communication with Lucy. She even blogged a post directing at Lucy about how much Lucy has hurt her with her comments and she was glad that she would not have to see Lucy for the whole of the next semester at the very least. Lucy, having read the post and knew that it was directed at her, did not take any action to make up with Betty since she had already apologized for her seemingly harsh comments.

As of today, Lucy and Betty are still not on talking terms. This is getting a little disturbing for their fellow old friends (another girl and I) when it comes to arranging meet-ups. We always have to organize two separate outings just because Lucy and Betty cannot get along anymore.

However, being an old friend of theirs, I would very much want to see them talking and be friends again. But until now, I have no idea on how to go about doing so.

So my dear auntie(s) and/or uncle(s) agony of ES2007S, what are some of the possible solutions to resolve this conflict of mine?

[Edited Monday 31st August 11pm]

So, why effective communication?

“Speak Well, Be Understood” – Singapore’s Speak Good English Movement (SGEM)

Indeed, in order to be understood by people around me, I have to first communicate my ideas effectively. That is also the reason why I see effective communication as an essential life skill to master – because communication is important in so many ways!

For one, strong bonds are not forged overnight. It has to go through many stages and communication is a very important part in developing and maintaining good relationships with people. Being the only child, I value my family more than anything else in the world. As such, I make an effort to make sure I have dinner with my parents at least twice a week no matter how busy I am. Constant updating about each other’s lives can certainly help to bring the parent-child understanding to a higher level. And in order for both parties to update each other, communication must take place. (Edited)


Communication also displays its importance in my friendships and relationship. I believe that being able to communicate effectively with friends will strengthen our friendship as my friends would then be able to relate to my experiences and get to know me a lot better. Moreover, communication is so essential in keeping a relationship going. Trust and understanding are two very important aspects in maintaining a stable relationship and both use communication as a platform.

Lastly, effective communication is crucial in understanding people from all walks of life and allowing them to open up to you. Being a volunteer under the NUS Students’ Community Service Club, I give voluntary tuition at a children’s home every Wednesday evening, and perhaps this story of mine would further illustrate how communication works wonders:

Close to a year ago, I started volunteering at this children’s home. A primary 4 girl (I apologise for not being able to write down her name as the identities of the kids are to be protected) was attached to me as my tutee. Despite spending 2 and a half hours with her each week, I only left a vague impression in her memory as her volunteer and each week I had to find her in a group of young girls to get to her and re-introducing myself to her. As such, both of us discussed on the best way for her to remember me and I was the “jie-jie” (jie-jie means sister in Mandarin) with long hair and has metals on her teeth (those were braces and I happened to be the only one with braces and long hair then). However, what I didn't expect was the fact that her vague impression of me was going to change for the better with the use of appropriate communication. (Edited)
 
As her attention span is relatively short, I tried to make our sessions interesting by playing games with her. Whenever she loses the game, she has to finish a mathematics problem. And this not only greatly enhanced the learning process; it has also indirectly built up a relationship between the both of us. Today, whenever I arrive at the home every Wednesday evening, I see a small hand waving enthusiastically at me accompanied by a broad smile on her face while calling out for me. Such a gesture signalled to me that she was more than prepared for more games, for more interesting school updates to be shared with me, and so was I. What's more? She remembers me.

So there you have it, verbal and non-verbal communication has contributed a lot to my personal development & relationships with the people around me. Communication is an art, and I hope to become a skilled artist.

Edited: Monday August 24th, 9:32PM.