Final Reflection

The semester is finally coming to an end, but it seems like only yesterday that the ES2007S class started. Before the class, many of my friends told me this module would be intensive. Indeed, it was intensive in terms of heavy editing and readings. However, there was fun interaction in the class even despite the heavy work load. My actual intention was to learn how to write a better job application letter and resume. But as the lessons progressed, I realized that communication was even more important than having a quality resume or application letter.

This course has allowed me to explore my weaknesses in communicating effectively and improve on it. One of my weaknesses is that I was not effectively bringing my points across during a conversation. One activity that left a strong impression on me was where everyone had to assume different positions. From that activity, I learnt that by standing at different positions, a situation can be viewed differently. Hence, I have learnt to be accepting of other people’s views and comments.

Besides communication, the interactions among my classmates allowed me to notice other people’s positive personality. Learning from others, I was able to empathize more and be positive in every difficult situation. Although the result is not immediately apparent, it is slowly shaping. One of my friend commented that I am now surrounded by a positive vibe.

At the end of the day, I think I have learnt and took much more from this course than any classes I took. Even though the workload was intensive, the learning experience was worth it. There are so much that I learnt from the course that could not be found in the textbook.

I am glad that I took up this module and got to know everyone in my class. Can’t wait to reunite with everyone on the 3rd December Thursday! :D

With all the loves,
Yuanhua

Reflection on Oral Presentation

Final presentation was finally over, it was a huge relief and I felt much lighter on the shoulders already. During the preparation of our PowerPoint slide, we were able to meet to discuss on editing and professionalizing the slides. One of my team greatest strength was being able to raise our honest opinions and accepts criticism. Through the experience, my team became more efficient and critical.

The only weakness I found was that the PowerPoint template was not complementary with its color theme. It appeared well on the computer but when I presented I realized that the color was not coming out nicely with the background. The video was another unforeseen problem where its color turned blue when played.

During my presentation, I realized I was not keeping enough eye contact. The eye contact was always kept at the front row and I was easily distracted when the audience was talking. It made me very conscious of my surrounding and worried that I had said something wrong.

Overall, I think my team had did an excellent job as there was very little data dumping and we were well prepared for the questions. However, I felt that I could formulate a better answer for one of the questions regarding on how to convince the employers to hire more interns or open up opportunity. We had a similar interview question for Professor Hor, but I could not relate well on the spot. One of my weakness is that I tend to panic first and stutter my way through before thinking calmly about the situation.

I think our presentation were very successful as we had clearly presented our main key point even though it was a bumpy ride. Ultimately, I think I am very lucky to work with wonderful teammates, Peiling and Ruth, who complement the team very well.

Intercultural Observation

I began drawing manga characters ever since my fascination with anime and manga (a type of Japanese comic), which started during my secondary school days. Whenever my parents caught me drawing, they would reprimand me and tell me that I should be studying, instead of wasting time doing my drawings. Hence, when I bought my first manga during my secondary school days, I had to do it discreetly and hide it somewhere so that my parents would not find it. Eventually, however, they found out about my manga collection and were tremendously disappointed. Even at the present moment, with manga gaining popularity, my parents still disapproved of me attending cosplay events or buying more manga. Clearly, such hobbies are not encouraged in Singaporean environment.

In contrast, manga, anime and cosplaying are part of Japanese culture. With the constant exposure it became so rooted in their culture that reading and drawing manga is a norm. Even cosplayers are normally seen walking down the streets of Harajuku and Aikihabara (popular districts in Tokyo). Not surprisingly, almost anyone can be a mangaka (comic artist), since all they have to do is to draw and publish their doujinshi (usually a fan book) on their own.

As I looked back and thought about the reasons for my parents’ disapproval, I realized that in Singapore, reading a manga is probably considered as slacking. Likewise, a cosplayer walking down the streets of Orchard Road is labeled as weirdo since it is not commonly seen. I feel that, perhaps the lack of promoting comic production locally causes my parents to think negatively, that there is neither prospect nor future for comic artists. This becomes even more striking when considering that Singapore comic artists have to go through competitions to be awarded a contract with a publisher.

Still, with the upcoming events of anime and comic festival it can be seen that the Singapore society is slowly embracing comic as a form of art. It may take a long while to see the transition, but as an amateur comic artist, I am always optimistic to see the upcoming changes.

[Edited] Personal Statement: Otaku Huahua

Waltz Disney cartoons were the first series of cartoons that I was exposed to but it was the Sailor Moon manga that sparked my interest to develop skills in drawing. I enjoy drawing, especially during my free time. Doing so helps to relieve my stress and being creative also stimulates me to develop my own characters and story. I was inspired to draw when I was in secondary school, even though the market for games and media design was not very developed.

I invested time to improve my skills and build my confidence gradually. In order to keep up-to-date, I force myself to learn Adobe Photoshop and use it to colour my artwork. I had to learn certain drawing techniques from scratch, such as how to find the angle of light and where to shade shadows, entirely through my own effort. It was a slow learning process and only recently was I confident enough to present my artwork to the public.

I strive to improve my skills and will find every opportunity to challenge myself by creating personal web pages to derive satisfaction and recognition. Besides challenges, I collect professionals’ art books as reference and use them to try and perfect my style. Being actively involved in the arts also encourages me to attend art festivals, concerts and seminars, and this allows me to develop positive attitudes towards learning.

Even if the skills of a comic artist are still the infant stage in Singapore, I think it is something unique for me to gain and perfect. It has definitely shaped a distinct character in my style and myself.

Personal Statement: Otaku Huahua

Chemistry has always intrigued me ever since I studied it in secondary school. Consequently, I chose to study Chemical & Pharmaceutical Technology, a subset of chemistry, at a polytechnic to broaden my knowledge of the subject. During this time, I had the opportunity to train in production processes at the Chemical Process Technology Center, as well as undergo a short stint at a pharmaceutical company, Wyeth Nutritionals Singapore.

My training experience in these two very different working environments helped to develop my passion for working in the petrochemical industry. Working inside the plant allowed me to appreciate things differently. These crucial experiences taught me the differences between working and studying, and prepared me for my future working life, by dampening any cultural shock.

Other than being awed by the unique working field, I enjoy drawing during my free time. Doing so relieves my stress and, by being creative, I am also stimulated to develop my own characters and story. I was inspired to draw when I was in secondary school, even though the market for games and media design was still not prominent.

I invested time to improve my skills and build up my confidence gradually. In order to keep up-to-date, I forced myself to learn Adobe Photoshop and how to use it to colour my artwork. I had to learn from scratch on techniques such as how to find the angle of light and where to shade the shadows all by myself. It was a slow learning process and it was only recently that I gained enough confidence to present my artwork to the public.

Striving to improve my skills, I would find every opportunity to challenge myself by creating personal web pages to derive satisfaction and recognition. Being actively involved in the arts also encourages me to attend art festivals, concerts and seminars. This allowed me to develop positive attitudes towards learning.

Even if the skills of a comic artist are not appreciated enough in Singapore, I think it is something unique for me to gain and perfect. It has definitely shaped a distinct character in my style and myself.

Application Letter (Draft 2)

Wyeth Nutritionals, with its presence in Singapore since 1999, will embark on 1st expansion plan in 2009. The production capacity will be increased by 50% from annual 80 million pounds to 120 million pounds by 2010.

Senior / Chemists(Singapore - Tuas)

Responsibilities:

• Lead, train and supervise a team of Chemists / Assistant Chemists in providing prompt analytical services to support production activities
• Investigate and document any non-compliance or out-of-speciifcation situations and follow up for proper disposition
• Assist in the validation / verification and review of laboratory test methods and reports
• Qualify, operate, calibrate and maintain laboratory facilities and instruments to set standards

Requirements:

• Degree in Chemistry / Chemical Engineering / Food Science / Pharmacy or a related discipline
• Minimum 3 year’s experience in laboratory in a pharmaceutical / chemical or a related industry
• Familiarity with lab systems e.g stability/ contaminants program and qualification/ method transfer is an advantage
• Able to work on 12-hour day shift in a fast-paced environment
• Perform shift and weekend duties if necessary

~~~~~

Ms Chen Yuanhua
Block 333 Sembawang Close
#04 - 429
Singapore 750333

September 2, 2009

Ms Low Siow Ching
Wyeth Nutritionals (Singapore) Pte Ltd
No 1 Tuas South Avenue 4
Singapore 637609

Dear Ms Low,

Application For Wyeth Nutritionals Chemist Position

I read with interest your advertisement in the Executive Appointments on 27th August 2009 for the post of Chemist. I believe that you will find me an appropriate candidate, with my academic qualifications and work experience. I graduated with Bachelor in Science (Chemistry) in year 2010 and I am familiar with analytical equipment, which includes Fluorescence Spectroscopy and HPLC.

I was an intern for your company from June 2006 to December 2006. I was assigned to assist in the stability program, which I have tested and reviewed the stability product. With that, I documented an out-of-specification report and stability report. My most rewarding experience with the company was assisting the stability program as working with both the chemistry department and the production department allows me to develop strong interpersonal skill and team spirit.

I recognized that the expansion of the production capacity is highly prioritized; I am confident I can bring in my expertise and contribute in supporting the production activity.

I will be most delighted to discuss my background with you in person. I can be reached at this mobile number: 96444330 and email: yuanhua@hotmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your consideration.

Yours sincerely,


Chen Yuanhua

Enclosure: Resume

Resolving Interpersonal Conflict

Student #1: Joy
Student #2: Eureka

It was supposed to be a joyous graduation tour for the final year students, but an unfortunate event happened after touched down. The students were supposed to have enough time to rest and wash up before meeting for dinner. However, two of the students were late and everyone was starting to get impatient. When they finally arrived, they apologized but did not meet eye-to-eye with each other.

Joy explained that Eureka had fell asleep in the bath tub which left her little time to wash up. In response, Eureka argued that Joy should not have bathed if they were already late. Both refused to relent, and avoid talking about the incident, hoping it would pass. However, the thorn started to grow in the flesh. Furthermore, both of them were roommates; it was hard to avoid each other.

Both of them were constantly displeased with each other, but could find no way to vent their frustration. They turned to their other classmates hoping they could empathize with them. Eureka requested to swop rooms with the classmates, and they swopped as they hope the tension would ease down.

Unfortunately, problems still occurred. Joy wanted to go see sighting while Eureka wanted to go shopping instead. In the end, Joy decided that they would go their separate ways if they could not compromise. Eureka relented reluctantly, and over the dinner she discontentedly commented that she regretted joining the tour. The comment made by Eureka upset some classmates.

~~~~~

What could the students do to resolve the conflict? How do you think the other classmates felt upon witnessing their friends argue? How do you think the classmates felt upon hearing the comment made by Eureka about her regrets in joining the tour?

Why Effective Communication Skills are Important to Me?

Being able to speak fluently is not enough if no one can understand what you’re trying to convey. This has happened numerous times, whereby someone would interrupt abruptly and change the subject, to one which they felt was more interesting. At first, it felt frustrating and puzzling. But after a couple of half-hearted replies, it was rather discouraging for me to continue the conversation.

From the many encounters, I have learnt that I beat around the bush too much, resulting in an unconstructive story. Ever since then, I try in vain to be concise and speak only when I have insightful comments. Unfortunately, this has only left me out all because I was trying to play it “safe”.

Besides being chatty, I realise people often misinterpret me. I may have unconsciously offended them and out of a sudden, we were unknowingly avoiding each other. It was then that I realized I misused the wrong body language which was not my intention. Perhaps, this made her feel uncomfortable around me.

Sometimes words and emotions are useless if the expression used cannot effectively convey my message. However, by acting on my emotions, people will have the wrong impression of my true personality. More often than not, my judgment is blinded by emotions and I voice my view without much thought. Only then, do I came to realize that my strong comment could have hurt someone.

For me, exchanging with words is a way to improve bonding between people. I need people to listen and give me advices to allow me to see the situation in question in a different light. This way I would not be obstinate and offend people unknowingly. Through better communication skills, I hope to be dear to the people who had advised me.

~ To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others. ~

-- Anthony Robbins

Testing the H2O

Mood: Dorky l Music: Big Bang - Number 1

This is the first time I blogged on a different platform, and customized with HTML and CSS. Just testing the water, and getting familarize with blogspot. :D