Reflection on Learning

One of the reasons why I chose to take ES2007S was that it would give me a 3-day week. I figured, since I am going to graduate next semester, I should take it easy. Even though it eventually didn't give me an easy time, I am glad I took it.

Right from the first class, when Brad had us running around to fill up that list, I knew this module would be different from the rest. In other tutorials, you would be considered lucky if the tutor asked everyone to introduce themselves. I appreciate Brad making the effort to let everyone to interact, by putting us in different groups for each class. It's nice to find myself back in a cosy classroom environment after graduating from junior college.

As for communication skills, I can't say for sure if I've improved but one thing is for sure - I've gained a better understanding of what communication is about. I've learnt what EQ is exactly and am trying to put it to good use. I've learnt to pay more attention to non-verbal cues. I've learnt how to write a resume, application letter, personal statement and proposal, all of which would come in handy soon. Another thing I like about ES is the feedback and review sessions. It gives true meaning to "the process is more important than the outcome".

All in all, I had fun taking ES2007S. Finally, there is a module which I don't dread going to class for. Thank you everyone, for making this class so enjoyable. Thank you, Brad, for sharing with us your knowledge and making this module fun.

Reflection on Oral Presentation

Honestly speaking, presentations have never been my forte. I have always had this problem with voice projection and staying calm. My friends sometimes complain that I mumble to myself when I try to tell them something. Hence, I'm rather glad that I manage to at least speak audibly during the presentation.

Initially, I prepared my speech on a small piece of paper but decided to leave them in my bag at the last minute. I have no idea why I did that, maybe I was feeling confident. However, I still felt a little nervous during the presentation and left out the fact that some universities abroad have actually implemented compulsory CCA modules. This could actually have helped to make our case stronger.

In addition, I think I was referring back to the slides a little more than I should have, hence reducing my eye contact with the audience. Without the help of my notes, I forgot some of the points that I wanted to say so I had to refer back to the slides.

I think our slides are nicely done and looked professional (because I was the one who did it, haha) but we could have used more audiovisual materials. Initially we were toying around with the idea of doing a video on Mark and Calvin but decided against it due to time constraints.

Undeniably, our team’s Q&A session was the most exciting. Everyone had a lot of questions to ask and I thank Jing Ping for saving the team, even though she misunderstood the S/U part. I thought it would be better not to contradict her during the Q&A as it would not look good on our team.

Overall, this was a good experience.

Intercultural Communication

Meet Rover, my handsome golden retriever who loves to swim. Once, when I brought him to the beach, there was a Malay family swimming in the sea. As Rover walked towards the sea, the children screamed “Anjing!” (I’ve heard it often enough to know that it means dog in Malay) and the parents quickly ushered everyone out of the water and retreated to their picnic mat.

After Rover was done swimming, we went to the nearest toilet to rinse him off. While I was doing that, a Malay cleaner scolded me for polluting the waters. Since I was done with Rover, I decided not to argue with him and left. As we were walking back, I noticed that the Malay family had gone back to swimming in the sea.

Before letting Rover into the sea, I made sure that we were as far away as possible from the Malay family. By getting out of the sea while Rover was in it and getting back in once he was out, the Malay family communicated non-verbally that they were still uncomfortable being in the same waters as Rover, even though we were very far apart. The cleaner was more direct, verging on ethnocentrism, when he accused me of polluting the waters.

I understand from my neighbour, who is Malay, that Muslims view dogs as ritually impure. Thus, they are not allowed to come into contact with bodily fluids, such as saliva, of dogs. That was why the Malay family quickly exited when they saw Rover stepping into the sea and why the cleaner was displeased with me.

That was a one-off incident though. I’ve met Malays who smile politely and let Rover and I pass before going on their way, which I’m thankful for because there are others who bounce away from me, as though there’s a monster on the other end of the leash.

Personal Statement (Edited)

When I was 11, I was given a corn starch and water mixture to determine if it was in the solid or liquid state during a science experiment. I remember how amazed I was, by the white substance on the plate which was solid to the touch but could flow like a liquid. That was my first brush with chemistry. Little did I know that I would be pursuing a career in this field ten years down the road.

As an undergraduate majoring in Chemistry, I’ve come a long way from the young child fascinated by a corn starch mixture. I’ve acquired valuable experimental skills that one can only get from conducting experiments in a chemistry laboratory. Working in the laboratory has also taught me to prioritize as there is a tight schedule to follow when conducting experiments. Apart from that, I’ve also learnt to be resourceful while sourcing for information to complete my laboratory reports.

My temporary job stint as a customer service assistant has given me valuable insights on how to interact with people and resolve their problems amicably. I learnt that there are no hard and fast rules and every situation requires a different solution.

In my free time, I enjoy recreational sports such as kayaking, rollerblading and cycling. I find the notion of putting in effort to propel oneself forward very applicable to life. In life, however, the results of our hard work are not immediate. I recognize that and it serves as a reminder whenever I am going through rough times.

It might not be an easy, but I believe that the qualities I’ve gained so far would aid me in pursuing a career as a chemist.

Application Letter

Job Title: Chemist

Responsiblities:

• Testing of new and alternative materials


• Assist in formulation and testing products to meet specific customer performance criteria


• Determine specific process conditions to achieve optimum results


• Assist in technical advices for product application & problems encountered in the use of products


• Assist in the preparation of training materials for the marketers

Requirements:

• Possesses at least a Bachelor's Degree, Post Graduate Diploma or Professional Degree in any field.


• Singapore Citizen of hold relevant residence status.


• Fresh graduates/Entry level applications are encouraged to apply.

***

123 Pasir Ris Street 10
#11-23
Singapore 510123

September 1, 2009

Human Resources Manager
EPChem International Pte Ltd
33 Ubi Avenue 3
#06-18 Vertex
Singapore 408868

Dear Sir/Madam,

Application for Post of Chemist

I am writing in response to the job advertisement posted on National University of Singapore (NUS) eJob Centre for the post of chemist dated May 15, 2009.

I understand that your company is looking for someone who possesses at least a Bachelor’s Degree in any field. As a Chemistry degree holder, I have 3 years of experience of working in a Chemistry laboratory that has equipped me with the capability to use the various spectrophotometers required for analysis of compounds. I am sure that you will find this to your advantage in testing new and alternative materials.

In addition, I read Principles of Chemical Processes during the course of my study. This would aid in the determination of specific process conditions to achieve optimum results for production of materials, making me a suitable candidate for the post of Chemist in your company.

It is stated in the advertisement that you require the Chemist to assist in providing technical advice to clients who encounter problems when using your products. As a customer service assistant for one of CapitaLand Retail Limited’s shopping malls, I picked up communicative skills required to help customers resolve their problems. I am sure that this will be useful when dealing with clients who have problems.

I am confident that you will find my qualification and skills suitable for the job. Attached is my CV. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to call me at 9145 2376 or email me at teogeokting@nus.edu.sg. Thank you for taking time to read my application and I await your favourable reply.

Yours sincerely,


Teo Geok Ting

Enclosure

Resolving Interpersonal Conflict

Abel and Bernice have been course mates for two years and they share a room in one of the halls of residence on campus. As such, they spend most of their time together, during and after classes, and have a good relationship. Recently, Abel heard that someone has been spreading nasty rumours about her. This made Abel upset but she decided to ignore the rumours as she believes the truth will prevail eventually.

A few days later, Bernice questioned Abel about the accuracy of those rumours. Initially, Bernie did not believe a word of those rumours but as she began hearing more from people, she started to have doubts. Hence, she thought it would be best to ask Abel about it. Abel felt insulted that Bernice would actually believe those rumours despite having known her for two years.

Abel then asked Bernice to reveal the source of the rumours, in an attempt to find out who was behind all these. To her surprise, Bernice refused, saying that she has to protect their identities. This left Abel feeling betrayed as she thought Bernie, as her friend, should help her stop these rumours instead of trying to protect the identities of those people who were harming her. Bernie, on the other hand, feels that by telling Abel, she would be considered untrustworthy by others.

Should Bernie tell Abel what she knows?

Why are effective communication skills important for me?

During the ice breaking session on Monday, I was asked to give a reason why good interpersonal skills are important. The first thought that came to mind then was that it would be useful when we step into the working world. On hindsight, that was too superficial a thought. Effective communication skills are important as communication is inherent in our day-to-day life. Whether it is telling the canteen vendor what you want for lunch or discussing a project with group members, effective communication skills are required in order for us to complete our daily tasks.

I believe that effective communication skills will be important for me to excel in my academic life and eventually my career. Communicating effectively would ensure that everyone know what they have to do in a group project and no ill feelings are developed. In the working world, the interpersonal working relationships would be much more complicated and thus effective communication skills would be important to make sure that there is understanding among colleagues.

However, there is much more to life than simply studying and working. More importantly, I feel that effective communication skills are needed for building and maintaining meaningful relationships with my loved ones, especially my family. I realise we tend to be harsher on those whom we are closer with since we expect them to understand us. This lack of judgement could be detrimental on the relationships we hold dear. Hence, having effective communication skills is important to me as it would help in improving my relationships with people I care about.