Blog Post 6: Final Reflection

Time really flies, but taking ES2007S this semester has definitely made my semester a fulfilling one. Looking back, I realised I’ve learned a lot in just 13 weeks.

This module helped increase my awareness in many aspects of communication be it verbal or non-verbal. I know that at times my explanations are too fast and they lack clarity, therefore now I will try to slow down and break long sentences to shorter sentences to aid in my explanations. Moreover, I see the importance in paying attention to non-verbal communications in daily conversations and to respond accordingly. Not only am I aware of other’s non-verbal communications but mine as well.

I appreciate that the course taught us many practical and valuable skills such as writing a resume and cover letter, sharpening our skills in being a team player and also providing platforms to speak in front of the audience. I believe all these are crucial elements which will guide us through our career path. I would definitely keep all those comments and feedbacks in mind as they are valuable in the process of learning.

One thing that I regret is not participating in class more often. I’m not a very outspoken person and I don’t really have an opinion all the time. Therefore, speaking up and interacting in class do not occur to me naturally. Nevertheless, I learned that interaction is not about the ‘right’ answer or opinion, but it is really just speaking and exchanging your thoughts to facilitate a discussion.

I realised that blogging for the module is not as simple as our usual informal write ups. This is because we need to us proper English and also to take note of the 7Cs.  It’s good in a way as we are trained how to formulate and write out our thoughts and ideas in a proper manner. In addition, the comments exchanged facilitate interactions as they help us to see things from a different perspective.

Overall, even though the module can be quite intense, it’s really worth the time and effort as not only do I learn the contents covered but also other aspects such as juggling my work, learning to be an effective team player and overcoming the fear in public speaking. It’s a good stretching experience.

Thanks everyone for making this journey an enjoyable one! :)

Blog Post 5: Reflecting on Oral Presentation

At the beginning of this course, I was quite anxious when I think of the oral presentation section. This is because I often feel nervous during previous oral presentations.

As our team had a hard time finding a common free time to practise as a group, our rehearsal was therefore insufficient. Hence, I’m quite worried on the night before and on that morning of the presentation. However, I’m thankful for having good team members who would often calm me down and give me words of encouragement and assurance. 

During the presentation, I felt that I started off quite well; with a smile on my face and with the eye contact I established with the audience. However, later on I started to be inconsistent with my speed and I felt that I was more serious (therefore less smiles) nearing the end of it. I believe this is due to the nervousness that slowly took over me. At the beginning, I think it was the adrenalin rush that helped boost my overall confident appearance, but with the passage of time, I lost control of my calmness and thus stumbled with a few words and also I have to keep referring to my cue cards as I find it hard to recall my speech.

We mainly used Powerpoint slides with pictures. I felt that perhaps I could have used more pictures to give a clearer illustration, as I felt that many were confused with my explanation.

Overall, I felt that the process in preparing is important to give a smooth presentation. Nevertheless, it was a good opportunity to practise speaking in front of an audience.  

Blog Post 4: Evaluating Intercultural Behavior

Studying in NUS gives us the opportunity to come into contact with people of different cultures. Even more so when you are staying in Prince George’s Park residence where you can practically see foreigners everywhere. Within my own cluster (a cluster of 15 residents), there are already a few nationalities such as Chinese, Indian and Korean. They bring along with them their cultures which are distinct from ours.

I still remember the Cambodian exchange student who stayed opposite me last semester. When we first met, I realized her command of English was not that good. Subsequent conversations with her make me wonder whether she understood what I’m talking about as I realized she wouldn’t ask me to clarify even though she does not understand. I notice this behavior as well in another Cambodian friend. This is in contrast to other foreign students especially the Western students in which they are more outspoken and wouldn’t be ashamed to ask.

Another thing that I noticed about her culture is the laid-back lifestyle that she has in Singapore. Quite often I will spot her looking out of the kitchen window in the morning as I go for lectures. It is an uncommon scene as most students here that I know of will usually have a very hectic lifestyle and thus they are always seen rushing here and there. When I questioned her, she told me she just enjoy doing it.

I believe it is important to have a good understanding of their culture so as to understand their behavioral pattern. This in turn will help us appreciate them the way they are. 

Blog Post 3: Interpersonal Conflict

I think most of us when we come across the term ‘interpersonal conflict’ would naturally picture a heated debate between two people. However, the term encompasses more than that. It also includes bottling up feelings and avoiding confrontation, be it between two people or in a group.

While understanding that conflict can be constructive at times, the situation gets a little more complicated when it comes to dealing with a person of higher authority, for instance my aunt.

I will visit my aunt at least once a year in Malaysia. She is known to give negative comments which at times make me feel bad and uncomfortable. Although she meant it for our own good, the way she delivers her suggestions are quite uncomfortable to the ear. Especially if we are in a group, her comments will often leave us in an awkward predicament. For instance during the recent Chinese New Year dinner in a restaurant, she will advise us against eating a particular dish on the table which she deemed unhealthy. Throughout the dinner she pulled a sulky face as she was dissatisfied with our decision to eat out.

Most of us have learnt the ‘art of ignoring’ what she says as we know there is no point in arguing since she is very adamant on her stand. Moreover, I am not on the same level as her in terms of hierarchy which makes it even harder for me to confront her. So how will you respond to her negative comments if you were me? (ignore? confront?)

Blog Post 2: Application Letter

Below are my job advertisement and the application letter:

Junior/Medical Laboratory Technologist Date Posted : 6 Jan 11

JOB DESCRIPTION

You will play a crucial role in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Using sophisticated automated equipment and instruments, you will examine and analyze body fluids, tissues and cells, look for bacteria, parasites and other micro-organisms, analyze the chemical content of fluids, match blood for transfusions and test for drug levels in the blood to show how a patient is responding to treatment. You will analyze the results and relay them to physicians in a timely manner in order for them to confirm a diagnosis or to monitor treatment. You are also expected to contribute towards quality improvement in the department and provide guidance to trainees and students.

Depending on the department's needs, you may be assigned to any of the following laboratories:

• Biochemistry Laboratory;
• Blood Transfusion Service;
• Hematology Laboratory;
• Microbiology Laboratory; or
• Histopathology Laboratory.

REQUIREMENTS

1. Relevant and recognized degree/diploma (e.g. medical laboratory science, biomedical science, biotechnology). Candidates with local working experience are preferred.

2. No colour blindness.

3. Team player, with good interpersonal and communication skills.

4. Open to working shifts, extended hours, on weekends/public holidays.

5. Passionate about pursuing a career in healthcare, and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

	Education Level	Degree & Diploma
	Job Function	Allied Health
	Job Location	Singapore-Tan Tock Seng Hospital
	Job Type	Full Time

29 Prince George’s Park Road,

Block 10 Level 5 Room A,
Singapore 118426

13 February 2010

Human Resource Department,

Level 1, Tan Tock Seng Hospital,

11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng,

Singapore 308433

Dear Hiring Professionals,

I’m very interested to know that there is a fulfilling role in the healthcare industry which I believe my laboratory knowledge and skills can be a contribution to the hospital. Hence, I am writing to express my interest in the position of a Junior/Medical Laboratory Technologist in Tan Tock Seng Hospital, with reference to the Job Vacancies posted on 6 Jan 2011. (http://www.nhg.com.sg/)

I am expected to graduate in 2013 from the National University of Singapore with a Bachelor of Science Degree, majoring in Life Sciences (Biomedical Sciences). This specialization exposed me to many health sciences courses and the multiple laboratory sessions in the university helped equip me with the knowledge and techniques in using the instruments and handling the experiments. This practical aspect has in turn molded me into a meticulous and analytical person, which enables me to work well in the laboratory.

Throughout my education years, I have also learnt how to balance studies and co-curricular activities. I participated in various organizing committees such as the Science Orientation Week Committee and the Science Welfare Committee. Being a Vice Director in the latter committee has helped sharpened my leadership skills in the area of decision-making and mobilizing the team to carry out events such as Second Hand Book Sales and Exam Tea. Furthermore, I was also a Cluster Leader in one of the school’s residence. I shouldered the responsibility of promoting clustermates interaction and also ensuring that the facilities are in good conditions. Thus, all these experiences bolstered my ability to be a leader and team player. In addition, I’m juggling my studies and a part time job as a tuition centre administrator since Year 1 in university. I have also acquired soft skills such as interpersonal and communication skills through the interaction with my colleagues and customers.

I am aware that the healthcare sector is continuously faced with challenges arising from the unpredictability of diseases and the search for the right treatment. I believe my interest in the healthcare industry will enable me to thrive under challenging circumstances so that I can play a part in this fulfilling role to promote the overall welfare of the society.

I look forward to meeting you to discuss the job position further and to be assessed in person at a time you are convenient. Please feel free to contact me at 94827611 or email me at cvn@hotmail.com. I will also contact you before 16^th February to discuss my application.  

Yours Sincerely,

Chan Fong Mei

Enclosed: Resume

Blog Post 1: Effective Communication

Communication is pivotal in our everyday life. Everything that we want to get requires us to be able to convey our message or question across effectively. Communication is only effective when both the sender and receiver understand the message. Since we will have to take on the different roles each day, it is thus important to learn to be a good speaker and a listener for effective communication to take place.

I believe the skills are very useful when we enter the workforce. Being able to express ourselves clearly is important especially if the job often requires us to present our ideas. We may have a good and creative idea but if we are unable to present it clearly, the bosses or customers may think that our idea is not that good or that we don’t have a firm grasp of your own idea. I have difficulties expressing myself at times and i felt it was a pity where the idea is there but i just couldn't spell it out clearly. 

I also think that active listening is important as it also part of effective communication. This is important so that we can engage in deep and meaningful conversation. It is a form of communication barrier if outwardly we are nodding to the speaker but inwardly we could not catch what he or she is trying to convey. The speaker will thus think that we understand their point and hence carry on.

Effective communication is a life skill that enables us to go far and so I would want to acquire and learn them to prepare myself for the future.