This course was really, really, enjoyable. No words can describe it. The things I learnt, the friends I made, the content discussed. I looked forward to attending class every week.
Thinking about it, the one thing I felt was most valuable to me that I learnt was working in a group. Being a Science student, I did not have much exposure to group work and preferred individual work as I could count on myself for the results. Furthermore, I did not have too pleasant experiences in past modules where there was group work. Thus when I came to the first day of this module, I felt quite lost as I did not know anyone at all. I considered joining a group that I would feel the most comfortable with, like an all girls group or an all Singaporean/Chinese group. However, during the group choosing time I found myself in a dilemma. There were two boys sitting at the corner, one Chinese and one Filipino, waving and saying, "We don't have anyone, it's just the two of us!" And at that moment I decided to step out of my comfort zone and join them. In the next class there was an even larger surprise, a male Chinese scholar came and he did not have a group to join. Mdm Fazilah asked us, Jin Yuan shrugged, and he was in.
It didn't take us long to find out that we were so different in our thinking and behaviour. Jin Yuan was a full fledged NUS Year 4 student, he talked about things with the air of a war hero. John, although a PR, was initially from The Philippines, he had funny facial expressions and always wanted to eat. Yuxin, being a Chinese scholar as well as an exchange student from NTU, was relatively quiet. And I? Well, I was me. Loud and rash. And I was astonished at the mixture our group consisted of.
As our group chose to do peer teaching 5, we did not have to start group work that early and thus we spent the time familiarizing ourselves with each other. I had to learn to accept the differences between us, as well as talk out nicely to my group mates the things I hoped to see them change in. I really appreciated the fact that they were so willing to accept my sometimes, harsh criticism due to my rash words. Of course I had to learn to change in this area. Being a perfectionist in the past, I always had to be conscious that I was not asking too much from them and making group work discussions unhappy. As I often talked alot, I appreciated that my group mates were willing to listen to me, and I had to learn to listen to them too. When the work started pouring in, I was really happy to see that my group mates were very dependable. They always did their work on time, and did not mind the frequent calling up of group meetings.
The module ended with a bang. I felt that with the excellent cooperation in my team, we pulled off the peer teaching, presentation and proposal submission smoothly. Despite our busy schedules, we put in effort into this project, and even if we were too busy to commit time that week, we covered the work for each other. I think that good communication, mutual tolerance and understanding was what helped to bond our group together. Not only did I have a really good time doing group work, I also gained friendships. So guys, if you're reading this, thank you. (:
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Reflection on Oral Presentation
Preparation for the Oral presentation was pretty interesting. The previous week, Mdm Fazilah had shown us various ways to start and end a presentation. That left me thinking which to choose as I would be starting and ending my group's presentation. Finally I decided to use an example related to our topic to start the presentation, which would stir the emotions of the audience.
Writing the script was fairly easy. I knew that I had to insert confident and persuasive words. However, words are often phrased differently in writing, as compared to speaking. After I wrote my script, I tried reciting it; it did not sound right. Changes were made along the way.
Practising the script was harder - I was a little nervous as I had taken a module last semester which involved a presentation as well, and due to my reading off the script, I did not do too well. Even in the peer teaching, the feedback for me was that I was looking too much at my script. I knew that I had to memorise the crucial points, yet not fully memorising word for word of my script because that would throw me off if I forgot the actual words while presenting. For many people, it leads to them stopping mid-sentence and then having to check their script. Thus when you present, you must be clear-headed enough to know what you are saying so that you can phrase the sentence yourself if you forgot how you phrased it in your script, and being calm helps you to think properly.
When presenting, one should use certain words to aid in remembering the points. This is where the visuals come in. I feel that the ideal case is where one has no script but looks at the screen for the point, then turns towards the audience and elaborates on it.
Before the presentation, I tried to encourage myself that I knew what I was saying, and that boosted my confidence and helped me to be less nervous. During the delivery, there was one point in time where I forgot what was next, and I checked my script but I could not find the place of the point. However, I took a deep breath to calm myself down, looked at the slides for reference on the next point and moved on. I knew that it was alright not to say all that I wrote down, but more importantly, the delivery of the presentation had to be smooth.
My group mates did an awesome job as well and during the Q&A session, we listened to the suggestions given by our peers and answered their queries. I felt that we were in sync and that as a team, we knew each other's parts well. Our answers complemented each other and we had a great feedback. I felt that overall, I have improved very much in my oral presentation skills.
Writing the script was fairly easy. I knew that I had to insert confident and persuasive words. However, words are often phrased differently in writing, as compared to speaking. After I wrote my script, I tried reciting it; it did not sound right. Changes were made along the way.
Practising the script was harder - I was a little nervous as I had taken a module last semester which involved a presentation as well, and due to my reading off the script, I did not do too well. Even in the peer teaching, the feedback for me was that I was looking too much at my script. I knew that I had to memorise the crucial points, yet not fully memorising word for word of my script because that would throw me off if I forgot the actual words while presenting. For many people, it leads to them stopping mid-sentence and then having to check their script. Thus when you present, you must be clear-headed enough to know what you are saying so that you can phrase the sentence yourself if you forgot how you phrased it in your script, and being calm helps you to think properly.
When presenting, one should use certain words to aid in remembering the points. This is where the visuals come in. I feel that the ideal case is where one has no script but looks at the screen for the point, then turns towards the audience and elaborates on it.
Before the presentation, I tried to encourage myself that I knew what I was saying, and that boosted my confidence and helped me to be less nervous. During the delivery, there was one point in time where I forgot what was next, and I checked my script but I could not find the place of the point. However, I took a deep breath to calm myself down, looked at the slides for reference on the next point and moved on. I knew that it was alright not to say all that I wrote down, but more importantly, the delivery of the presentation had to be smooth.
My group mates did an awesome job as well and during the Q&A session, we listened to the suggestions given by our peers and answered their queries. I felt that we were in sync and that as a team, we knew each other's parts well. Our answers complemented each other and we had a great feedback. I felt that overall, I have improved very much in my oral presentation skills.
Saturday, October 06, 2012
Evaluating Intercultural Behaviour
I have a helper from the Philippines, and her name is May. I often call her my "auntie". She is from the region of Iloilo, and as she joined us only last year in May 2011, she is relatively new in Singapore.
I remember that communicating with her at first was not easy, although she knew English. She often says the word "anor" in her sentences while speaking, and I found out from her that means "what". It's like how we use "mmm" in our sentences while talking: "You know that, mmm, that shirt over there?" So she would say it like: "You know that anor, that shirt over there?" And it needed much getting used to. It made me laugh now writing this as I realised that our overseas friends needed to get used to our Singlish in the same manner as well.
I was telling her about directions around the area we stay, and told her that she could take the lift to the first floor where she could find the nearby provision shops. As I was talking, I noticed that she was looking at me with a confused expression. After a while, she started murmuring, "Lift? Take the lift?" I finally realised and said, "Take the elevator," and her face melted into a look of understanding.
Even though both of us may speak English, one of us is not familiar with it as it is not her native language, while the other has been brought up in a culture that has distorted the language. As such, in order to communicate effectively with my auntie, I need to know how she is used to speaking English - like asking her what she means when she says "anor", and I also need to observe the way she communicates with her body language as Filipinos are quite expressive with their body language. I realised that I can tell alot from how she reacts, not just by what she says.
That day we were changing the bedsheets, and I reminded her to tie up the strings on the bolster covers. Again she was confused. So I held up the bolster and told her what we call it.
"What do you call this in the Philippines?" I asked.
"Oh that... Hot-dog pillow."
We both burst into peals of laughter.
PS. I asked John, and he does not call it a hot-dog pillow. So there are different cultures in the same country as well!
I remember that communicating with her at first was not easy, although she knew English. She often says the word "anor" in her sentences while speaking, and I found out from her that means "what". It's like how we use "mmm" in our sentences while talking: "You know that, mmm, that shirt over there?" So she would say it like: "You know that anor, that shirt over there?" And it needed much getting used to. It made me laugh now writing this as I realised that our overseas friends needed to get used to our Singlish in the same manner as well.
I was telling her about directions around the area we stay, and told her that she could take the lift to the first floor where she could find the nearby provision shops. As I was talking, I noticed that she was looking at me with a confused expression. After a while, she started murmuring, "Lift? Take the lift?" I finally realised and said, "Take the elevator," and her face melted into a look of understanding.
Even though both of us may speak English, one of us is not familiar with it as it is not her native language, while the other has been brought up in a culture that has distorted the language. As such, in order to communicate effectively with my auntie, I need to know how she is used to speaking English - like asking her what she means when she says "anor", and I also need to observe the way she communicates with her body language as Filipinos are quite expressive with their body language. I realised that I can tell alot from how she reacts, not just by what she says.
That day we were changing the bedsheets, and I reminded her to tie up the strings on the bolster covers. Again she was confused. So I held up the bolster and told her what we call it.
"What do you call this in the Philippines?" I asked.
"Oh that... Hot-dog pillow."
We both burst into peals of laughter.
PS. I asked John, and he does not call it a hot-dog pillow. So there are different cultures in the same country as well!
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Application Letter Critique
Blk 15 Bedok Reservoir View
#08-03 Singapore 478933
91256180
a0084073@nus.edu.sg
08 September 2012
QIAGEN Singapore
8 Commonwealth Lane
Singapore 149555
Dear Sir/Mdm,
I am interested in the Internship for Sciences Students offered in your online advertisement.
As a science student interested in working in the pharmaceutical industry, I jumped at this opportunity immediately when I saw the advertisement, especially since I knew that QIAGEN is a well established, world-leading provider for innovative sample and assay technologies that is used so frequently in school laboratories. My experience as a year 2 life sciences student specialising in biomedical science has given me ample opportunity to do experiments involving DNA and RNA extraction, protein assays, gel electrophoresis and PCR. Thus I know that I will be familiar with the toolkits produced by QIAGEN.
In addition, my past work experience as a receptionist and dental surgery assistant has equipped me with organisational skills and the ability to use Microsoft Office by patient records filing. I was able to pick up the use of dental instruments quickly and also gained excellent customer management skills while dealing with client requests over the counter.
Furthermore, my participation in my college’s Mentorship Program mentoring China students has caused me to develop good interpersonal skills as well as hone my Chinese speaking and writing skills.
Even as I feel that my skills will suit the responsibilities of this internship, I am very eager and willing to learn even more from this experience. I believe that I would succeed in the company’s exciting and motivated environment and that my strong work ethic, ability, and passion would make me a valuable asset to your company.
I am able to start work in December 2012 and am able to commit for 5 months. If you wish to speak with me or schedule an interview, please contact me at 9XXXXXXX.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
As a science student interested in working in the pharmaceutical industry, I jumped at this opportunity immediately when I saw the advertisement, especially since I knew that QIAGEN is a well established, world-leading provider for innovative sample and assay technologies that is used so frequently in school laboratories. My experience as a year 2 life sciences student specialising in biomedical science has given me ample opportunity to do experiments involving DNA and RNA extraction, protein assays, gel electrophoresis and PCR. Thus I know that I will be familiar with the toolkits produced by QIAGEN.
In addition, my past work experience as a receptionist and dental surgery assistant has equipped me with organisational skills and the ability to use Microsoft Office by patient records filing. I was able to pick up the use of dental instruments quickly and also gained excellent customer management skills while dealing with client requests over the counter.
Furthermore, my participation in my college’s Mentorship Program mentoring China students has caused me to develop good interpersonal skills as well as hone my Chinese speaking and writing skills.
Even as I feel that my skills will suit the responsibilities of this internship, I am very eager and willing to learn even more from this experience. I believe that I would succeed in the company’s exciting and motivated environment and that my strong work ethic, ability, and passion would make me a valuable asset to your company.
I am able to start work in December 2012 and am able to commit for 5 months. If you wish to speak with me or schedule an interview, please contact me at 9XXXXXXX.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Low Liwen Isabel
Wednesday, September 05, 2012
Resolving Interpersonal Conflict
I am working with a group of mentors in a mentorship program in school. One of them is a year 4 student whom I will refer to as boy A.
When I first met boy A, he seemed like a shy and reserved boy, thus out of all the 14 mentors, I did not really notice him. However, as we progressed from the planning to the executing stage, I started to know him better. He was a funny guy who said things that would make the whole table laugh. Due to his wide experience, he was very good at handling a lot of problems that cropped up along the way, and he was also very professional in his work. Not long after, he began handling a lot of the operations of the program, and I could see that he worked really hard and put in a lot of effort.
As the program got underway and we progressed from the orientation stage to the starting of school, operations started to become routine and more manageable. We mentors got closer to each other by seeing one another every day. However a truth is this: as we get closer, we are bound to see more of each other’s bad habits.
We soon started to notice that boy A had a lot of mood changes. He would be happy one moment and angry the next. When you raised your voice a little in exasperating moments, he would suddenly flare up. Sometimes when you said things to tease him, he would laugh, other times he would suddenly get very angry. And when we wrote emails to all the mentors about operations, he liked to mention names when telling all the mentors about a bad incident that happened, but when we mentioned his name he would get all defensive and start replying us long emails about his reasons.
The incident that happened was that one of the mentors posted a photo on facebook that showed a mentor group shot during orientation dry run. As we reminisced about the happy times we had, I commented teasingly that when I knew boy A then he was still innocent and nice. I actually said this sentence to his face before. His response then was one of laughter.
After which, another mentor followed up with a comment also agreeing teasingly. However, boy A’s reply was totally shocking. He was really angry and told us to please stop posting this kind of comments.
I guess I was in a flurry of emotions after that. I felt sorry towards him and concerned for our relationship in the future, thus I apologized to him through SMS to tell him that I was sorry for posting the comment and removed it. He told me not to worry about it but relayed to me that he was disappointed that I did such a thing. I was quite upset after that because I felt that he should have been able to take it better, after all, it was just a teasing remark that people usually take in their stride, laugh it off and makes everyone laugh about it too.
However, I think that I did not consider his feelings. Perhaps all those times we were teasing him, although he laughed, he did not really like it and was holding it inside till it burst out that day when he saw the comments. Also, perhaps he was stressed out as a year 4 student with all the deadlines in school to meet, as well as the huge responsibilities he was carrying in the mentorship program, and perhaps he felt that his contributions were not appreciated.
I thought to SMS him because I did not have the courage to meet him face to face. I even had thoughts of not talking to him from now on, but I know that will be silly. As a group of mentors working together, we will always need each other’s help, and I will need his help in the future. As for my part, I want to grow more in being sensitive to other’s feelings and be more mature so as to not spoil the good relationships I have with my friends.
Yet, I hope that he will change his attitude too, if not it would be a little hard to work with him. How would you approach this? Or do you think that I should not attempt to mention to him about his behavior?
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Effective Communication Skills
Personally, I feel that good communication is extremely important in order to avoid miscommunication.
Miscommunication is what we all wish to prevent yet even cause it to happen in our daily lives. As illustrated in our second class via the activity on the conversation between the manager and his employee, miscommunication and misunderstanding of someone's intention could lead to unintended consequences.
For me, I have had many experiences where I misunderstood someone's intentions. In some cases, I know very well to clarify with him/her. However, I have also been afraid to confront the other person, resulting in unhappiness brewing under the surface, which is very unhealthy for the relationship.
Thus good communication is not just about choosing the right words. There are many factors to consider, like what we learnt in our second class on channels of communication. I feel that talking face to face and calling a person are definitely the easiest ways to get a clear message across with the right intentions. Why? Because our facial expressions and body language bring across the bulk of the message. I may have to correct a person but my body language shows that I am not upset with him. This would help him to accept my advice better.
Secondly, our attitude towards communication is also important. We must be willing to communicate. This sounds funny, but many people are unwilling to talk to others to clear up miscommunication face to face. Perhaps they are afraid of what the other person might think of them. However, I feel that clearing up misunderstandings are more important than pride. Thus one must be bold to clarify situations with others.
In summary, I would choose my words carefully while communicating, but I would note that body language and attitude are also important factors for ensuring good communication without miscommunication.
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