About me and my goals for UCS1001
Subject: About me and my goals for UCS1001
Dear Professor Blackstone,
My name is Elizabeth Cai (Eliz for short), a Year 1 civil engineering student in your critical thinking and communicating module (S12). I graduated from Temasek Polytechnic with a diploma in architecture but made the switch to engineering to better align with my personal interests and goals. One of my hobbies I have had since young was drawing and painting. This was what drove me to initially choose to pursue architecture. While drawing and painting have always been passions of mine, I realized that pursuing them professionally in architecture felt limiting. The saying “the fastest way to kill passion is to pursue it as a profession” resonated with me, and I wanted to preserve my love for art as a hobby. Engineering appealed to me because it offers a balance of technical skills and creative problem-solving, allowing me to engage with the built environment from a fresh perspective. This decision has felt right, as I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the course structure and topics covered so far.
I am comfortable with public speaking and presenting, having had extensive experience as an emcee and performer since primary school. During polytechnic, I participated in numerous juries where I had to present and defend my ideas, which enhanced my communication skills. However, I tend to talk too quickly when presenting, often rushing due to an unconscious sense of urgency. I am working on slowing down and communicating my ideas more clearly.
Through UCS1001, I aim to achieve two main goals: to improve my public speaking by pacing my speech better and to be an effective group member. I hope to contribute actively to discussions and learn from my peers during group activities, as teamwork is an essential life skill.
What makes me unique is my ability to initiate ideas when others are hesitant. While I may lack absolute confidence in my suggestions, I am always ready to get the ball rolling in group discussions.
I look forward to honing my critical thinking and communication skills throughout this module and making meaningful contributions in class.
Best regards,
Elizabeth Cai (2401771)
Posts I have read/commented
Lyka, Siqi, Renee, Kylie, Sandra
Edited on Feb 7 2025
Dear Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your email, I feel like I have gotten to know you better! Your email is clear and well-written.
Maybe you could shorten the introduction a bit to get straight to the point. In the section where you mention public speaking, you can simplify the part about pacing your speech, making it a bit more direct. Regarding your goals, it would help to condense them into a more focused sentence. About your unique strength, you may want to briefly highlight how you initiate ideas in group discussions.
Overall, it’s really good! Just tightening up a few areas will make it more direct and focused
Best regards,
Renee
Thank you for the constructive criticism. Your comment is valuable in improving the quality of my blog posts
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your introduction letter. It is well-written and organised to read. Your use of tenses is very consistent. For example, when talking about your polytechnic experience where you took part in numerous juries is in past tense. I feel you explained the reason for your switch from architecture to engineering very well and I agree with your views. You illustrated your strength and weakness well enough, your experience to present and defend your ideas. I admire the effort you take to become a better communicator such as speaking at a slower pace.
Overall, it is concise and I look forward to seeing you progress from this module.
Best regards,
Sandra
Thank you for the uplifting comment!
DeleteDear Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteIt is fascinating to hear about your switch from architecture to civil engineering, and aligning your studies with your personal interests. The balance of technical skills and creative problem-solving that engineering offers is indeed a great fit for someone with your passion for both art and the built environment.
Working on pacing will definitely help in ensuring that your ideas are conveyed more clearly. It’s clear that you’re already an active participant and a confident speaker, which will be a great asset in group activities.
I’m confident that with your mindset and determination, you will make great strides in improving both your public speaking and your ability to work effectively in teams. I look forward to seeing your progress throughout the course.
Regards,
Kylie
Dear Eliz,
ReplyDeleteThank you for this clear and highly detailed letter, which addresses all the points of the brief. In it you discuss, for example, how your interest in art was a factor in your programme choice, and that interest included an appreciation of drawing/design, and yet that your "love for art as a hobby" kept you away from architecture and aimed to engineering. (I feel you've made a good decision to branch off to ENG.) You also share how "a balance of technical skills and creative problem-solving" has been impactful for you to pursue engineering.
You also share something about your comm skills levels and discuss your prior experiences as an emcee and a jurist. That speaking skill will certainly be useful when you do the project work/oral presentation in our module. :)
I'm also impressed with your ability to "to get the ball rolling in group discussions" when interacting with others. That too will come in hand soon enough.
I look forward to working with you further this term.
Best wishes,
Brad
Thank You prof for the encouragement and insight. :)
Delete