Rekindled

Ahh. I feel like blogging again.

Reflections

In university, this is the final and the most credible assessment of your worth (in Singapore's context). As a result, I devoted almost all my time to study. I essentially became what is known as a "nerd."

This mindless pursuit for academic recognition caused me to neglect my health, my personal development and also my ability to interact with people.

(Despite the sacrifices, the results does not justify the efforts put in. Sad.)

Taking this course highlighted the fact that my ability to interact with people has deterioated. Also, it has highlighted certain aspects of communication and interactions that I never knew before.

Thanks to this course (and to Ms Lim as well), I am able to interact and work with different people; people with vastly different backgrounds and personalities. I am able to understand better now, why people will react in a certain manner, as opposed to speculations on the reason for their actions. This will allow me to interact better with those around me as the art of interpersonal relationship is no longer a hit-or-miss affair.

Furthermore, I am now better equipped to handle interviews and presentations. These skills are essential skills to secure opportunities for a better future.

Lastly, I will like to once again express my thanks to Ms Lim and my friends in this module.

Thank you all so much for the wonderful experience and memories.

I sincerely wish that all of you will be successful and happy in the years to come.

Oral Presentation Reflection

How did I do?

Well, my personal view on this was bad. Real bad.

I messed up the conclusion when when my mind went blank for a moment. At that instant, I suddenly panicked. Then everything was lost, from the composure to the subsequent points that I wanted to say.

At the start, when it was my turn to present, I was able to pick up from where Wan Ting left. I was able to capture the audience's attention (or so it seems). I was able to refrain from saying a habitual word "Ok". I think I was able to guide the audience through the flow of the presentation. I did not use excessive fillers while presenting.

However, I fumbled at the most important part, the conclusion. My actions had potentially jeopardised the persuasive power and credibility of the presentation.

Utterly disappointing.

This experience has led me to believe even more strongly that having a calm state of mind is extremely important. It will be easier to think and act accordingly with a calm state of mind. This is because an unsettled state of mind is not reliable. This reliability is important in today’s society as one’s actions affect everyone around. An important opportunity can be lost forever when this reliability of the mind is compromised, just for an instant.

Differences in culture, even at the end.

In general, our DNA differs from another person by about 0.01%. Similar as we are, the way think and act are vastly different. This is even more distinct when we compare people from different cultures.

I recall, when I was younger (and much more ignorant), there was a time my Muslim friend’s relative passed away. Feeling concerned for him, I gave him a call to convey my condolences.

After a few minutes into the call, I asked him, “So when will be the burial?”

He promptly replied, “Later… We are transporting the body in an hour’s time.”

For a moment I thought I heard his reply wrongly. I was quite shocked. I then asked him for the reason in doing so. He mentioned that it was part of the burial tradition to bury the deceased on the day of his/her death. When I met him a few weeks later, I then found out that it was important for them to do so as it signifies the return back to nature. There are only a few hours for members of kin to give their respects before burial processes begin.

Contrast this to the funeral of a traditional Chinese family. The deceased will be embalmed and placed in a coffin for up to a week. I learnt later that this was to make it possible for relatives and friends from various parts of China to send their last regards before the body was to be buried (or cremated, in Singapore’s context).

Application Letter 2nd Draft

Fernview St 32 Blk 243

#11-230

Singapore 990243

4th September 2010

To the person in charge

Laboratory Analyst Chemistry (1 year Contract)

My purpose for writing to you is to apply for a position as laboratory analyst chemistry, as mentioned in the advertisement on the 11th August 2010 on jobstreet.com. I am currently a fresh graduate with a degree in chemistry from the National University of Singapore.

Throughout my course of study, I have been trained to be proficient in various separation techniques, including gas chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography, which will be employed in your laboratory. This course in chemistry has also equipped me with the necessary skills to troubleshoot and ensure the success of an experiment. This also means that working in your laboratory will require minimal orientation and supervision.

From my extracurricular activities, it is evident that I can work independently or as a team. In addition, the roles and responsibilities indicate someone with good leadership and team player abilities. This means working in your laboratory will not result in any friction among other laboratory personnel, increasing the efficiency of the laboratory. My experience in meeting and managing deadlines will help your laboratory fulfill the requirements and expectations of customers. This can be seen from my role as an administrative specialist in the army, a role which is higher than what my maximum rank allows.

Baxter is a company that specializes in providing medical equipment, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to better the lives of those in need. Therefore, there is a need for people who strive for excellence, takes pride in one’s work and self-motivated. These qualities are also a part of me. As a result, I believe I can contribute to your company through my abilities.

On my side, there is only so much that can be conveyed through this medium. I will contact you in a week’s time to find out if you need any additional information. If you want to reach me, my contact details are 1234567(hp) or berwyn@email.com. I will be very happy to discuss more about my skills and expertise with you.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

Yours faithfully,




Berwyn Chong

Job Opening

Interpersonal Conflict

Everyone is unique, growing up in a similar yet greatly nuanced environment. As a result friction may arise between two individuals. This is due to the fact that our minds are shaped according to how we are brought up. How we interpret information, how we express ourselves, how we perceive value are all the products of our childhood environment.
Last semester, I experienced conflict with one of my friend. When I was reorganising the contacts in my instant messenger account, I deleted one of my friend’s contact by accident. She then sent me a message, enquiring so. Realising my mistake, I added her back and apologised.

She informed me she still cannot see my “invitation.” I tried to re-add but with no success. After multiple attempts to rectify, I suspect the problem with the server. I informed her to wait for a while for this change to take effect. According to her, she still could not see the “invitation” on her side. She then gave me a remark which was something like “…so am I supposed to lay a red carpet for you (to add me)?”

That remark angered me. I never replied.

Sometimes, people fall out over the most insignificant things like an instant messenger account. I agree that the both of us were frustrated about the inability to add a contact. However, I feel one should not jump to conclusions and accuse, when the other person is not at fault. It would be better to practice patience and seek understanding of the situation first before passing a judgement.

What do you think?