I first heard about this module in an email sent to all Science students in December/January. Wondering if I should take it up or not, I talked to one of my seniors, Dinidu who encouraged me to take it. After judiciously planning for presentation-free electives in my 3 semesters at NUS, it was like willingly leading myself to what seemed the edge of a cliff - with a potentially painful end. What if I failed miserably and it pulled down my CAP? Before even bidding for ES2007S, I remember emailing Brad to ask if this module could be S/U'd. Even then, I was completely grade-oriented. But I took a chance; an uncharacteristic leap of faith. 13 weeks have passed since taking this module, and here I stand at the finish line with no regrets.
In my first post, I expounded reasons why communication was important but even back then, I had no idea there was so much I didn’t know. For example, prior to this module I had never even heard of the 7C’s of communication. But after weeks of being constantly reminded of these principles, it has been ingrained into my brain. Now, studying my Cell Biology textbook I even find myself critiquing the authors’ lack of conciseness, clarity and completeness. Of course, I still have a lot of C’s to work on myself! But I can say with certainty that blogging has definitely enhanced my writing skills.
I also found the skill building tasks we did in class very useful, because it gave us a chance to apply what we learnt. The tasks on nonverbal communication and building interpersonal skills were particularly interesting. Now I understand the importance of developing EQ to solve interpersonal conflicts, build relations and even be successful in your workplace –everything that a degree alone won’t help with.
In addition, learning about writing resumes, application letters and handling job interviews will be one of the most useful things I can take from my university life. In my first year I bought "The Complete Idiot's guide to Writing The Perfect Resume", but due to my dreadful indolence I never read it. I’m really glad we did these topics in this module because I will be better prepared when job-hunting after graduation. Reading other people’s resumes also made me want to kick myself for having zero work experience, and as a result I am hoping to do an internship this summer!
And then there was all the emphasis placed on effective oral communication in this module. The peer teaching experience was quite helpful. It lay down the groundwork for the 20 minute presentation we did just last week. From both presentations I learnt the importance of eye contact, voice projection, and effective engagement of the audience. Also, I found the “feel” of being on center stage new and surprisingly enjoyable!
If I had to pick the most important thing I got out of this module, I think it is confidence. I’ve found myself gradually participating in other tutorials more actively, and interacting with other people with more ease – a stark difference from the person who walked hesitantly into a tutorial room full of strangers 4 months ago.
Now, after weeks of intermingling, I know the names of everyone in class. Val, LH and Thu win - you guys were the best group mates I've ever had. Valarie, you are such good fun to hang out with. Crazy Lin Hui, I do hope we never lose touch and you take me wakeboarding some day. Ye Thu Win, thanks for being so patient with three high-strung girls! To the rest of the class, I'm so glad to have known each and every one of you.
I also want to take this opportunity to thank Brad. Thanks for not being a lecturer that only lectures, or a just another tutor that talks to nobody in particular. I think I speak for everyone in my class when I say you strived to not only teach, but also to inspire - from giving us your interesting personal anecdotes of global commutes, to always finding something good to say about everyone and everything we do.
The 400 points I took to bid for ES2007S may well be the best investment I make for an elective at NUS. For the first time in this high-pressure, cut-throat "kiasu" environment, I realized that it isn't the grade that matters. What I learnt from this module cannot possibly be manifest in a simple grade. True, I would be remiss to assert that I have learnt everything there is to know about effective communication. This is not the end - just a beginning to a new chapter! My journey has been an incredible one where I gained important skills that will undoubtedly come in useful in all my future endeavors. If this is what taking chances is all about, here’s to taking more such chances in this life we lead - this trail we blaze.
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"Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return. " ~ Leonardo da Vinci
Hi Ranmali,
ReplyDeleteI really like to read your blog, for a reason. There's the sincerity beneath the entry, all written Concisely, Clearly and also in a Creative manner (too bad this is not one of the 7Cs).
Your writing skills are great and I'd say they are reflected in our proposal. I'm happy that you gained confidence from the numerous oral presentations and started to enjoy the limelight! =D
I'm glad you enjoyed working with us. Your expressions when you ate the century egg was classic. I think even Ye Thu Win looked mildly disgusted.
You reflect my exact sentiments, being hesitant that it will affect my CAP, questioning how subjective this module will be, AFRAID OF ALL THE TEAMWORK (which all of you proved me wrong). And I like your final line with "the trial we blaze". We have indeed gone a long way since three months ago, but the end of this module marks the start of our future endeavours and perhaps apply what we have learnt from this module to other aspects of our lives.
Excellent final post, Ranmali, for many reasons. One is that, like Val says in her comments, it shows your sincerity. You tell a story with this post, of someone who wasn't sure what she was getting herself into ("the edge of a cliff"), and then of someone swept up in the thing itself...and finding it rather invigorating.
ReplyDeleteOf course, your fluency ("I even find myself critiquing the authors’ lack of conciseness, clarity and completeness....") and turn of phrase ("If this is what taking chances is all about, here’s to taking more such chances in this life we lead - this trail we blaze.") make your writing a real pleasure to read. There's also a comprehensiveness to your discussion, which includes take away points and appreciation for your groups mates.
With this final post comment I really applaud your many contributions all term, Ranmali. Our group was so much the richer for having your perspective, the critical eye of a "third-culture kid" looking at things from the outside in.
Yes indeed, much of it is about taking chances, about forging new ways of thinking, about the "trail we blaze." I wish you the very best on yours. Keep the bright eyes and wide smile to light your way!
HEY THERE!
ReplyDeleteLooks like we are going to remember the century egg for a long long time. HAHA. I cannot agree more with you about the 'grades doesn't matter' part. While I do feel that people still strive for good grades in everything they do, it was less obvious in this modules. It feels more like we were learning from each other's experiences, instead of contributing in order to gain more marks for class participation. Probably that was what made the tutorials so enjoyable. I wished, like you, I had the courage to take this module when I was in my second year so that I will be able to apply the skills I had learnt for my studies. Good luck to your application of internship!
Thank you Ranmali for such an excellent recap of the class. I'm left to rue why ain't I as good a writer!
ReplyDeleteThe S/U option was one big push for me too (although my CAP is as low as it can get...). I was somehow unexplanably unconfident of my communication skills. If there wasn't S/U it would have been a lose-lose situation:
1. I don't perform in this class and pulls down CAP.
2. I don't take this class and miss out of such skills for the rest of my life (ok slight exaggeration).
Anyway, study hard and all the best!
Valarie - I'm so glad you think it reflected in our proposal! I really did try so very hard in that aspect, and I was quite annoyed at some of the mistakes I made that Brad pointed out. But it was definitely a learning process and I'm so much the better for it.
ReplyDeleteLH - Everybody seems to wish they took this module in their 2nd year. I wonder why that is? Well I'm really glad I took it this semester too, because it meant I'd do it with you guys :)
Iris - Is it an S/U option? I still don't know! Brad replied saying "Why think about S/Uing it when you can easily get an A or B if you work hard?". I took this module anyway! Talk about taking chances haha :)
Brad - Thanks for the kind words Brad! You're a Third Culture Adult, and that's what I hope to be too. Like you, I want to travel the world, go backpacking in Portugal, and... oh the myriad of possibilities. Thanks so much for sharing, you have no idea what a long way it will go :)
Ranmali :)
ReplyDeleteIt's been my pleasure to know you. As you put it, grades don't matter. Well, not as much as it used to:P I think the module is all about the learning process and how we learn to apply the skills taught in our daily lives. And I do think you have opened up to the class as compared to when we all first started out, wary of each other.
See you around :))
Hey Ranmali,
ReplyDeleteWhen I know your investment was 400 points, I feel over self satisfactory since my investment is only 1 point. :)
It is worth investment indeed.
I like your title. Yours is more meaningful than mine.
As Valarie said,your writing skill is well reflected in the proposal, applying 7Cs.
All the best for coming exams!