ES2007S - Professional Communication!
Saturday 20 October 2012
Half a Semester Later
Half a semester later, I sit in a classroom of mathematical and chemical equations, in a sea of eager students seeking to outdo each other, outlast each other, the environment of learning is lost. It really makes one wonder if the education environment is the pseudo real working life. Perhaps the most discouraging of them all is the projects that I've been handling. Unable to solve the problems myself, I often have to resort to begging others to teach me, intruding on my professors to aid me, and often staying alone in the cold school campus to crack my head at the problems alone - not that my group mates did nothing, it wan't fair of me to demand their company every night till 11pm everyday for 2 weeks. Yes, we took that long to crack the problem.
I truly miss the professional communication classes, it provided me a surreal learning environment that is not an engineering classroom. In ES2007S classes, students always give constructive feedback, become a close-knitted group, learn to express their thoughts and ideas properly in conventional social media (such as blogging), learn survivor skills such as presentation and the elevator pitch; and yet get academic credit for it. It was a really encouraging learning environment for me because I felt that I was being awarded a grade for being willing to try, for being willing to help others. The intangible rewards were very rich as well, it was always a joy to see and communicate with my classmates and my teacher who show genuine concern for issues of communication and of course, my life. Simply put, I miss the classroom environment than a modular system, and I don't understand why can't my present tutorial classes be instructive. Why can't the teacher explain or give other problem examples to cement concepts? Why simply read off the answer key on the screen when I too have the same answer key?
I honestly have no idea why I'm blogging about my epiphany, perhaps I simply miss this module too much. But I know that the only constant in the wheels of time is change, and like all things I'm just going to have to adjust to being in a competitive than a sheltered classroom setting.
Best of luck to everyone in their semester ahead!
Sincerely
Titus
Saturday 14 April 2012
Blog Post #6: A Final Reflection on Learning
“Education
is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire”, said William Butler.
Admittedly, it was not until I took this course that I ascribed to this view.
My greatest learning points from ES2007S are conciseness
and clear writing. My writing has been rightfully subjected to scrutiny
numerous times for my choice of words, which I have painstakingly memorized as
a result of a module that I took last semester, GEK3005 / PS3260 – Politics and
the Visual. In that module, the professor conducted every lecture speaking like
this, “The perspicuity of the totalitarian regime epitomizes the political
nadir of the Soviet Union and is the raison d’etre for the vituperation of the
people, prognosticating its downfall”. Moreover, all his prescribed readings
were written in a similar vein of English. Unlike the year 3 political science students
taking this module, I understood nothing.
Like every hardworking student, I
hurriedly compiled a list and started using similar words, even managing an A-
for my mid terms but only a B for my final grade when I stopped using them. I
was left licking my wounds as the students who excelled at this module wrote
English I could never hope to comprehend.
This course however tore asunder all my lofty impressions
of a good paper. The essence of professional communication is rather Socratic
by nature. Just ask yourself “What do I want to tell the other person?” It took
a committed effort from my proposal group mates and myself to completely deface
our project proposal and rewrite it based on this one principle. I am so proud
that we were able to pen a proposal that effectively communicates our heartbeat
for the school as students, our passion for the course and a genuine desire to
improve on the problem we identified in NUS.
What I like about this course is that it is focused on
essential skills that will be prevalent at anytime everyday. While some might
argue that it is easier to read the deluge of similar literature available in
bookstores, I like it that this course emphasizes on active participation than
passive learning. I would definitely recommend this course to everyone.
P.S
"Keep away from people who try to
belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that. But the really great make
you feel that you too can become great", Mark Twain.
I would like to extend my heartfelt
gratitude to all my classmates and my teacher, Mr. Brad Blackstone for teaching
me so much. Thank you for all your constructive criticisms and encouragement.
This module has colored my semester with many positive memories and I sincerely
wish everyone all the best for your future endeavors! Keep in touch!
We part only to meet again =)
Sunday 8 April 2012
#5 My reflection of the oral presentation
Throughout my years of education,
many have consistently told me that oral presentation is one of my strongest
skill sets. Therefore, I felt confident about my delivery of the material once
I was able to settle into a rhythm in my presentation. Moreover, the past few
weeks saw concerted efforts by my team to organize our proposal, which in turn
lead to easier organization of our presentation slides. Every piece of the
jigsaw seemed to have fallen into place.
How very wrong I
was.
During
the class reflection, my teacher Mr. Blackstone mentioned that I might come off
as “a little arrogant” if this were to be an actual presentation to the Deans
of various faculties because I did not engage my audience correctly. To my
horror, this was met with agreement with the class. Reviewing the video footage
of my presentation, I could see what they meant.
Instead of
tactfully engaging my audience, I appeared
to show enthusiasm and too much confidence in my presentation, especially on
the portion of “Benefits of Academic Mentorship”. The way I presented it
seemingly insinuates the lack of cognizance of these benefits from my audience– who have very distinguished titles.
In reality, all I wanted was to refresh these ideas and serve as a vector, so
that my audience generally knew the direction of the presentation (since our
plan of action seeks to crystallize these benefits).
Due to the
logical organization of our slides to give a coherent presentation, the latter
objective of my part was met. However, I felt that I should have presented in a
more cogent manner. Rather than placing my emphasis on my presentation
material, I should have concentrated my efforts on engaging my audience to
leave a lasting positive impression.
To this end, my
main takeaways from this presentation are firstly, to always absolutely know
your audience. More importantly, presentation, like communication is a skill
that consistently requires polishing and perfecting. Thank you all for sitting
through my presentation and pointing out my mistakes! Although I am
disappointed, I think that it is better to make these mistakes in the classroom
than in the actual corporate world.
Sunday 4 March 2012
#4 Evaluating Intercultural Communication
"Why did you buy me a clock and white chrysanthemum flowers on my birthday?!" shrieked Lorraine.
"It's really romantic right? I think the chrysanthemum flowers really suit you! Oh by the way, will you be my girlfriend?" asked Jack with barely concealed glee publicly in the classroom.
SMACK!
A bewildered Jack received a tight slap to his face. Pandemonium ensued in the classroom as Lorraine attempted to rain more blows on Jack, who was shielded by our classmates
I really regretted not giving Jack more accurate advice on his surprise for Lorraine. Jack Dillon and I were close friends and classmates in college. He was born in the city of Wisconsin, America, and had lived in Singapore for a good 10 years. One would really expect him to be at least aware of what items are definitely not to be given as gifts; certainly not the Chinese emblems of death, to a Chinese girl on her birthday.
The Chinese culture is one that is hinged on superstition and omens. Unfortunately, it is believed to be "unlucky" if one were to give a clock, or any instrument that indicates time to someone else as a gift because it reminds them of their mortality. Therefore it is rude to even give an expensive watch to a Chinese, as it is tantamount to wishing the receiver a swift death.
Moreover, white chrysanthemums are thought to be "universal" symbols of death as they are often used in funerals. Yet when I probed Jack behind his intention for this flower, he simply told me that chrysanthemums represent honesty and purity in America. This admittedly intrigued me because I was brought up in a culture where I've never seen these flowers being used as gifts to anyone and definitely not to start a relationship.
It had been my idea to purchase a practical gift for Lorraine, coupled with flowers to signify his romantic intent. We were texting each other feverishly on the eve of her birthday during class on what flower he should purchase. Unfortunately we had yet to reach a conclusion when I had to attend a project conference. Since Lorraine broke her watch a week ago and had yet to purchase a replacement, Jack must have thought it was extremely practical to purchase her another watch.
It was appalling to me, that Jack did not conduct any research to his gift, and that Lorraine would react so irrationally. Till that day, I've never thought of her to be someone particular about her roots that the superstitions of our forefathers would be intrinsic in her. I guess that it would be prudent to not assume the concept of a "universal culture", because as it turns out, our gifts and actions can be deemed extremely offensive to people of different cultures. Moreover, she might have felt further incensed that Jack had the cheek to publicly ask to start a relationship with her with those gifts.
Jack and Lorraine finally patched their friendship later that week, and just got attached this year while studying abroad. You can imagine my surprise when I received word through his email.
This story has been written with the permission of the involved persons, whose names and birth history (for Jack) have been changed deliberately for the purpose of this story to protect their identity. Any relation to other persons and their life experience is purely coincidental. To the happy couple who have read this blog post, hearty congratulations once again =)
"Jack" maybe you buy her roses this time.
Wednesday 15 February 2012
Additional Post - A Real Life Scenario
Dear all,
I am applying to go for an International Summer Programme at Korea University! Not only is this the perfect time to showcase the skills I learnt in the course, but also a chance for me to receive further feedback of my writing style! So here is my response to a PERSONAL STATEMENT that is part of the application form.
I am applying to go for an International Summer Programme at Korea University! Not only is this the perfect time to showcase the skills I learnt in the course, but also a chance for me to receive further feedback of my writing style! So here is my response to a PERSONAL STATEMENT that is part of the application form.
Any feedback rendered is greatly appreciated!
Cheers!
Please
include a personal statement of about 500 words as to why you wish to you to go
for your selected programme and how it will benefit you.
Travelling
to Korea has always been my dream, as it is arguably the hub of Asia, sporting multitudinous
musical, entertainment, historical, culinary and technological attractions. Moreover,
I have always been impressed at the polite disposition of the Koreans. As one
of the country’s oldest and top ranked universities, KU is renowned for its excellence
and comprehensiveness in teaching. I therefore crave at not only living in one
of Asia’s most technologically advanced cities, but also to experience varsity
life at this premium university.
The summer
programme offered by KU is therefore an excellent opportunity for four reasons.
Firstly, I relish the chance to intern under either of Korea’s two most famed
companies, Samsung and LG. As a student, intensive industrial practicum is
invaluable, as it opens our eyes to realistic situations that we have been
shielded from under the shelter of our education system. More interestingly,
the internship scope in these corporations is outside the field of engineering.
As it is too important to be multidisciplinary in our society, this internship equips
me with important skills of another discipline that I can apply in my engineering
industrial practicum, and subsequently my corporate life.
Secondly, KU
allows me to take any courses offered in the summer. This allows me to experience
different learning structures and methods while undertaking interesting courses.
The course that I am keen to take up is “Korean Philosophy”, as I am interested
to understand the beliefs that shape the cognitive acumen of Koreans, setting
them apart from others. Furthermore, the many other courses specifically
tailored to Korea that will also be equally fulfilling in my desire of cultural
immersion and intellectual molding. I believe that going through this unique
Korean pedagogy will alter my perception of academia, provide educational
diversity and a memorable experience that I will cherish and want to share with
my peers.
Thirdly, the
programme gives me the chance to learn a third language. As Korea is becoming
increasingly vibrant and cosmopolitan, the Korean language has also become more
frequently spoken. Hence, gaining some mastery of it opens up many doors for me
to communicate with others and widen my social circle. Personally, I feel that
acquiring a fundamental proficiency in a third language is definitely an
essential skill set one should aim to acquire in life, and I would therefore
fully cherish this experience.
Lastly, this summer programme allows me to tour the city of Seoul and experience first hand the heartbeat of Korea. In addition, this program grants me an opportunity to experience varsity life in a foreign university. This encourages me to take part in meaningful varsity activities that I might have missed out in NUS.
In
conclusion, the opportunity to study at KU and intern in Korea is a once in a
lifetime opportunity that I would live to regret if I were to let it pass me
by. As a keen learner and a dynamic student, I feel that this summer programme
would be highly beneficial.
Saturday 11 February 2012
Additional Post - My Resume
Titus Lim
Hsien Yong
Professional Communication LetUsChatterStreet
Block 1000 #55-055
Singapore 891246
Mobile
Number: 8192 4675
Email: tituslhy@hotmail.com
Objective:
To enroll as a graduate
student for the Masters of Science in Chemical Engineering
Practice
(M.S CEP) in the Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts
Institute
of Technology (MIT).
Summary
of Personal Skills:
·
Dynamic and objective
student with competent intellectual
acumen. Able to grasp complex concepts and translate learning to developing
effective solutions.
·
Keen and tenacious learner. Diligent student fully
committed to the fruition of academia and self-enrichment goals.
·
Resourceful leader
who is able to manage key appointments and build strong rapport with group
members. Consistently meeting project deadlines and excelling in performance.
·
Outstanding presentation and writing skills.
·
Able to use MATLAB (Matrix Laboratory) programming software and
familiar with Microsoft Office software.
Academic Achievements:
National
University of Singapore (NUS) 2011 –
Present
Candidate for the Bachelor of Chemical
and Biomolecular Engineering
·
Secured
a place in the NUS Global Engineering Programme – an accelerated bachelor’s
programme to groom outstanding students.
·
Awarded
the NUS Undergraduate Scholarship.
Anderson
Junior College 2007 - 2008
Awarded the GCE ‘A’ Level Certificate
(7As)
·
Awarded
the Top Student Award by the college
for performing amongst the top 1% of cohort in the GCE ‘A’ Levels of 2008.
·
Awarded
the Certificate of Accomplishment
for completing the Alpha Programme with Distinction
– the college’s premium programme to groom academically strong students in
areas of leadership, community service and group achievement programme.
·
Awarded
the Edusave Awards for Achievement, Good
Leadership and Service (EAGLES) by Mrs. Yu-Foo Yee Shoon, Minister of State
in 2008.
·
Represented
the College in the prestigious American Mathematics Competition in 2008.
Saint
Andrew’s Secondary School 2003 – 2006
Graduated with the GCE ‘O’ Level
Certificate (5As & 2Bs)
·
Awarded
the Edusave Scholarships in 2005 and
2006 for performing amongst the top 10% of the cohort.
·
Placed
First in Subject for Chinese in the
GCE ‘O’ Levels of 2006.
·
Awarded
the EAGLES by Mrs. Yu-Foo Yee Shoon,
Minister of State in 2006.
Other Achievements:
National
Service 2009 – 2011
·
Served
as an Investigation Officer at the Special Investigations Branch, Singapore
Armed Forces (SAF) Military Police Command.
·
Nominated
for Best Soldier of the Month of
January 2011.
Co-Curricular
Activities (Anderson Junior College) 2007 - 2008
·
Awarded
the College Colors Award in 2008 for
outstanding performance in Chinese Chess.
·
Awarded
the Sports Leaders Award in 2008 for
outstanding academic and co-curricular activity performance.
·
Awarded
the Platinum Award for Community Involvement
Programme (CIP) contributions (more than 120hrs of CIP).
·
President of the Anderson Junior College Chess
Club 2008.
·
Undertook
and headed extracurricular CIP projects as the Head of Communications in liaison with the Lion Befrienders
Association of Singapore (North) to organize a Mid-Autumn Celebration for
Senior Citizens.
·
Lead
the AJC Chinese Chess team to 1st position in the Raffles Cup, 2nd
Annual Hwa Chong Cup chess competitions in 2008.
Co-Curricular
Activities (Saint Andrew’s Secondary School) 2003 -2006
·
Awarded
the Certificate of Merit for Leadership and Exemplary Contribution to the
Prefectorial Board.
·
Awarded
the Lincoln Award for extraordinary
resilience and aptitude in execution of prefectorial duties.
·
Vice President of the Saints Mind Games Club and Captain of the Saints Chinese Chess
team.
·
Placed 1st in the Saints Chess Open for the Chinese
Chess category.
·
Executive Committee of the English Language Drama and
Debating Society.
·
Key
Member of the Saints Debating and Oratorical Team.
Additional Information:
·
Languages: Fluent in English and Mandarin, written
and spoken.
·
Personal Interests: Politics, Community Service, Mathematics
and Science.
-
References Available Upon Request -
My Application Letter
Professional Communication Road
LetUsChatter Drive
Singapore 892134
8 February 2014
Professor Klavs
F. Jensen
Department of
Chemical Engineering
Massachusetts
Institute of Technology (MIT)
77 Massachusetts
Ave
Cambridge MA
02139 USA
Dear Professor Jensen,
I am writing to
apply for entry to the Masters of Science in Chemical Engineering Practice
(M.S. CEP) graduate program. Having completed my Undergraduate degree at the
National University of Singapore (NUS) in 2013, I hope to embark on a
challenging and rewarding graduate education at MIT, the premium university for
Chemical Engineers.
I believe that
apart from promoting a more cohesive varsity life at MIT, I will also be able
to cope with the rigors of graduate education. As a student in the prestigious
Global Engineering Programme (GEP) in NUS, I had to bear the additional academic
workload to accelerate the completion of my honors degree in 3 years. The
successful completion of the programme while shouldering the key appointment of
Marketing Head of the Welfare Committee of the Chemical Engineering Students
Society (CHESS) reflects my resilience,
dynamism and the desire to give back to my alma mater and community.
Despite the
acceleration of my degree, I was still inspired by how prevalent chemical
engineering is in our milieu. It is my earnest wish to expand my engineering skill
set acquired in my undergraduate degree. I believe that my keen desire to learn coupled with my tenacity will enable me to
make a valuable impact to your department and a worthy student of your school.
Since I began
my tenure as an undergraduate student, furthering my studies at MIT has always
been my dream, as I am highly drawn by the unique MIT experience entailing
rigorous theoretical training, and the fulfilling hands-on experience of
industrial and research practicum. Attached in the overleaf of this letter is
my resume to provide you a holistic overview of my qualifications. I look
forward to hearing your favorable reply. Do feel free to contact me at my
mobile number (8192 7465) or email me at tituslhy@hotmail.com should you have any queries.
Yours Sincerely,
Titus Lim Hsien Yong
Enclosures:
1.
Resume
2.
Copy
of Undergraduate graduation certificate and transcript.
3.
College
School Graduation Certificate
4.
Testimonials
* Other
supporting documents are available upon request.
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