HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRAD!!! =)
Flowers in the Paperweight
1 month ago
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
An intercultural conflict
This intercultural conflict happened when I was pretty young during a holiday at Mexico with my parents. It was supposed to be a 2 week holiday for my whole family to de-stress, especially for me as I had just finished my ‘A’ level examinations. However, it became a fiasco when cultural differences caused my mother much unhappiness.
Salma, my mother’s Mexican friend, invited all her friends, including my family, to her house for her 40th birthday dinner. Mexicans love such gatherings a lot! My parents were in awe with the sumptuous Mexican dinner which Salma had specially prepared for us. There were Mexican cheese pizza, Mexican soup, home-made Mexican bread and many more. We were indulging ourselves with the food happily and were very thankful for Salma’s hospitality.
After eating our fill, my mother told my father and me to leave the table out of courtesy as there seemed to be many people standing around and waiting for seats to have their dinner. Surprisingly, when we stood up, the Mexicans sitting at the table stared at us as if we had offended them. Salma’s husband, Bruno, then shouted across the table, “It’s so rude of you to leave the table just like that! Don’t you all have manners?” My parents were utterly shocked! My mother, not being able to tolerate such rudeness, shouted and argued back as well. But Bruno continued to be unreasonable and my mother became very frustrated. She stomped out of the dining hall.
Salma, who was in the kitchen earlier, learned about the situation and so, she tried to pacify both Bruno and my mother. She then explained to my family that in some Asian countries like Singapore, it is well mannered to leave right after dinner so as not to hog the seats. The ones who do not leave may indicate that they have not eaten enough. However, in the Mexican culture, this is rude as it indicates that the guests only want to eat but do not enjoy the company of the hosts. My mother eventually understood and apologized to both Salma and Bruno. Bruno also understood and accepted my mother's apology.
Personally, I feel that this incident is probably an unfortunate misunderstanding of different countries' cultures. In addition, both my mother and Bruno had also displayed very low EQ skills when they argued with each other in front of other guests. They did not self regulate their emotions well. It was a conflict which could be well prevented if Bruno had spoken to my mother privately about his feelings and had allowed her to explain herself. Nevertheless, this incident has reminded me that “when (we’re) in Rome, do as the Romans do”. Every country has its own set of cultures and beliefs. It will be most ideal if everyone learns to understand and give in to one another's cultures!
On a side note, fortunately for my case, the friendship between my mother and Salma was not ruined due to this misunderstanding of cultures.
Salma, my mother’s Mexican friend, invited all her friends, including my family, to her house for her 40th birthday dinner. Mexicans love such gatherings a lot! My parents were in awe with the sumptuous Mexican dinner which Salma had specially prepared for us. There were Mexican cheese pizza, Mexican soup, home-made Mexican bread and many more. We were indulging ourselves with the food happily and were very thankful for Salma’s hospitality.
After eating our fill, my mother told my father and me to leave the table out of courtesy as there seemed to be many people standing around and waiting for seats to have their dinner. Surprisingly, when we stood up, the Mexicans sitting at the table stared at us as if we had offended them. Salma’s husband, Bruno, then shouted across the table, “It’s so rude of you to leave the table just like that! Don’t you all have manners?” My parents were utterly shocked! My mother, not being able to tolerate such rudeness, shouted and argued back as well. But Bruno continued to be unreasonable and my mother became very frustrated. She stomped out of the dining hall.
Salma, who was in the kitchen earlier, learned about the situation and so, she tried to pacify both Bruno and my mother. She then explained to my family that in some Asian countries like Singapore, it is well mannered to leave right after dinner so as not to hog the seats. The ones who do not leave may indicate that they have not eaten enough. However, in the Mexican culture, this is rude as it indicates that the guests only want to eat but do not enjoy the company of the hosts. My mother eventually understood and apologized to both Salma and Bruno. Bruno also understood and accepted my mother's apology.
Personally, I feel that this incident is probably an unfortunate misunderstanding of different countries' cultures. In addition, both my mother and Bruno had also displayed very low EQ skills when they argued with each other in front of other guests. They did not self regulate their emotions well. It was a conflict which could be well prevented if Bruno had spoken to my mother privately about his feelings and had allowed her to explain herself. Nevertheless, this incident has reminded me that “when (we’re) in Rome, do as the Romans do”. Every country has its own set of cultures and beliefs. It will be most ideal if everyone learns to understand and give in to one another's cultures!
On a side note, fortunately for my case, the friendship between my mother and Salma was not ruined due to this misunderstanding of cultures.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Personal statement! (editted!)
My team with our medals and plaqueOn that faithful day, 27th July 2007, I stand alone on lane 27, panicking and shivering. I do not know what to expect and how to focus my mind on what is to be done. It is funny that even though I have trained four times a week for three months to prepare for this red-letter day, I still get butterflies in my stomach. It is probably because it is my first time taking part in the National ‘A’ Division inter-school Air Pistol Competition. I am one of the three girls representing Anglo Chinese Junior College (ACJC) and I am determined in helping the school clinch the competition title. My contribution is extremely crucial as one person can either make or break the team’s score.
Thankfully, with the help of my coach, I have learnt the art of positive self-motivation. I talk to myself incessantly to calm myself down and to focus on every single shot made as though each is a fresh shot during the competition. It is mentally tormenting as I have to repeatedly keep myself composed and focused for the entire two-hour competition. However, I am determined not to let my team and coach down and I must bring glory to ACJC, just like what other sports teams have done. I close my eyes and focus on my body movements. Staying focused helps me simulate the body movements that allow me to hit the bull’s eye as I have done during my previous trainings. In the end, my efforts bear fruits when my team emerges as overall champion and I am individually ranked fourth among all the shooting participants. Subsequently, I am invited to join the Singapore National Youth team too.
I am a person who shows great determination and focus on whatever tasks given to me. This strength of mine will definitely see me through challenges in my career. As a teacher, I will not let my students down as we are a team focusing on pursuing continual learning together. I am also determined in helping them to achieve their best results to the best of my capability.
(Acknowledgement given to Ivan, my blog buddy, for editing my post to make it better! =))
Friday, September 4, 2009
Application letter for teaching (Reference of format from ''Science of Effective communicative in workplace'')
Title of Position: Ministry of Education School Teacher
Requirements: (http://www.moe.edu.sg/careers/teach/)
Passionate
Know how to engage students in their learning
Good role model
Prepare students for the challenges of life
Lively and engaging
Nurture the spirit of innovation and passion for learning in our young
Groom students into all-rounded individuals
Block 209
Jurong East Street 21
#07-339
Singapore 600209
3 September 2009
Ms. Phua Puay Li
Deputy director of Human Resource Development
Ministry of Education, Singapore
1 North Buona Vista Drive
Singapore 138675
Dear Ms. Phua,
Dear Ms. Phua,
Re: Application for a teaching post
I am writing in response to a teaching advertisement on the Ministry of Education website. I am very interested to be a teacher as I believe that I am an asset to the education industry in Singapore. I am in the final year of my university education and I will graduate in May 2011 with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) with a specialisation in Biomedical Science at the National University of Singapore (NUS).
I have worked as a relief teacher during my holidays for seven months to enrich my teaching experience. It has helped me learn how to manage a class on my own as I was the acting form teacher of a primary six class. My teacher mentor had also taught me innovative teaching methods such as creating my own science flash cards. I had tried using these methods in class in order to better engage the students in their learning and to keep lessons lively.
The advertisement asks for a passionate teacher and I believe I am one. I have been giving tuition to primary school and secondary school students for four years. As a tuition teacher, I am dedicated to teaching my students to the best of my ability throughout their entire academic year. My efforts bore fruits when one of my students topped his PSLE cohort last year.
The advertisement also asks for a teacher, who can groom our young into all-round individuals. I believe that I am able to achieve this as I am an enthusiastic individual. Despite my heavy workload in NUS, I am active in many co-curricular activities. In my first year, I served as the Freshmen Orientation Projects Assistant Chairperson in the science faculty by organizing Freshmen Orientation projects for the incoming freshmen. I have also enthusiastically lived in King Edward VII Hall for 3 years, where I served as the Open House Director and represented my hall actively in sports such as basketball and netball. All these experiences enable me to grow as an all rounded person. Hence by being a good role model, I aim to inspire our young to possess this same active spirit and to be all-round individuals in their schools.
From the enclosed resume, I have worked as a team leader, as well as a team player, before and I hope that this shows that I can relate to people and will fit well in the education industry. All in all, I hope that my resume has shown that I am a highly self motivated person and I have strong determination in achieving any tasks given to me.
Please grant me an opportunity to have an interview with you at any time in order to discuss further with you how I can be of service as a teacher. I can be reached at the phone number and email address indicated in the resume, which is enclosed for your kind perusal.
Thank you very much for your time. I look forward to receiving your favourable reply.
Yours sincerely,
Lah Bifen Sarah
Enclosure: Resume
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Nice guys exist so that women can be bitches! (A side post)
Note: If you want to comment on "Interpersonal conflict", please scroll down!
Hello once again! I can't help but share with all of you about something very interesting about Singapore women! (Men can read this as well for general understanding =P) This was written by someone on STOMP.
Over the weekend, I conducted a long-distance straw poll among five of my best male buddies who wouldn't be too taken aback at my weird, slightly belligerent question:
"Tell me what's so great about yourself."
So it turns out that most Singaporean men (if my bunch of buddies are any indication), have a pretty great impression of themselves (I'm inclined to agree with these guys, if only to not find myself suddenly bereft of male friends after this blog goes up).
"Well, I think the best thing about me, is that I'm super reliable. You know, I turn up when I say I will, I don't blow people off and I'm trustworthy. I'd never cheat on a girl." says A, whose words were more or less echoed by the rest in some form or other.
"The best thing about me, is that I'm financially secure," says B. "I don't gamble, I make calculated investments, I have a good steady job, a good income, and I save."
C pulls out the filial card: "I'm a family guy. I'm respectful to my parents, I look after my two younger sisters (he worked to pay for their education in Australia too) and I'm always around for my family."
D is good looking, fit, and one of the most athletic people I know: "I think the best thing about me, is my lifestyle. I'm healthy, I work out almost every day. I'm in shape and I like being active."
"Heck, I'm not too sure what's super special about me", but I'm just a really nice guy you know." E has so many positive traits, he can't single one out. "I'm an all-round friendly guy, most people think I'm reliable and honest and I'm responsible you know. That's why I'm good with people and I'm good at my job..."
If my buddies are any indication at all, it seems that Singaporean men, in general, are reliable, financially secure, value relationships and are all-around nice guys.
So why is it that all five of my buddies are either chronically single or divorced? They're all educated up to at least a first degree, hold good jobs, they're fit and healthy with no disfiguring illnesses, two of them are just plain rich and one looks like he could model underwear for a living.
By all means, each of them should be considered a "good catch", yet they spend Valentine's Day either alone, or trying to cajole someone out. After one too many "Lonely Hearts" sessions with these guys as their reluctant "fill in" date, I've formed the hypothesis that (some) Singaporean men are so good at their "good" traits, that there's ironically nothing exciting about them anymore. Everyone likes a reliable, trustworthy guy, but too much of that, and this fellow becomes staid, boring and predictable; the family guy who puts his family obligations first becomes a "mummy's boy"; and the financially dependable one ends up being an undesirable miserly figure who wouldn't spend on frivolities.
On the flipside, I have countless female acquaintances and friends of friends who aren't exactly the type that the average mother would be enamoured with. Simply put, they exhibit some of the worst traits of a female that I could imagine.
First of all, there's the group of chronic cheaters. It seems that one of the most deplorable traits about Singaporean women, is that when it comes to men and who they want to be with, they either can't make up their minds, or they want everyone out there. The chronic cheaters are girls who already have steady boyfriends (of years), but yet have a whole string of flings, one after another, to satisfy some apparent lack that their regular guy can't fulfil. And the amazing thing is that breaking up with their regular guy is out of the question, simply because he's such a reliable, family man (Note: Hear that, reliable, family men?) that he'd be a great investment for the future when marriage is eventually on the cards. One of these poor sods found out one day that his girl wasn't exactly true to him, but being so "nice", allowed her to have her fun if that would make her happy.Closely related to "wanting it all" when it comes to men, the other cringe-worthy trait of some Singaporean women is their unashamed materialism. They want expensive, shiny things too. A pal of mine has a friend who insisted that her boyfriend work another job so he could upgrade his car to a fancier model because his current second-hand clunker wasn't swanky enough to be valet-parked outside Zouk or something. And then there's the one who got all miserable and upset because her birthday was ruined when her boyfriend bought her a silver necklace (even if it did come with an engraved pendant), because it came from Perlini's and not Tiffany's. Both girls eventually got what they wanted though, from what I hear. So somewhere out there is a poor guy who works two jobs to pay off the loan on a swanky coupe and another's got a huge bill from Tiffany's for a necklace that although made of the same material, cost ten times more.
And then, there's the insanely jealous control freak. These are the girls with deep-rooted anxieties that make the green-eyed monster a permanent fixture. I've personally lost at least two guy friends who have disappeared down the "girlfriend abyss", simply because "my girlfriend doesn't like me hanging out with other girls..." And the crowning irony? There are Singaporean men out there who are more than willing to put up with these crazy cheating, materialistic and controlling traits, because all these girls I know, have (at least) one devoted partner.
Thinking about this blog topic that started out being more biased towards the men, I'm wondering who has the last laugh here.
The worst thing about Singaporean men, is that they're susceptible to be blinded by the flattery of a pretty girl paying them some short-term attention. And the best thing about Singaporean women, is that they're shrewd enough to suss out which guy will give them exactly what they want
(WoW! After reading this, my heart really goes out to her! She spoke my heart out even though I'm probably one of those guilty ones. It's rare that a singaporean woman criticises singaporean women! With so many realistic flaws of women which many do not realise, do you think Singaporean women are such a good catch after all?)
Hello once again! I can't help but share with all of you about something very interesting about Singapore women! (Men can read this as well for general understanding =P) This was written by someone on STOMP.
Over the weekend, I conducted a long-distance straw poll among five of my best male buddies who wouldn't be too taken aback at my weird, slightly belligerent question:
"Tell me what's so great about yourself."
So it turns out that most Singaporean men (if my bunch of buddies are any indication), have a pretty great impression of themselves (I'm inclined to agree with these guys, if only to not find myself suddenly bereft of male friends after this blog goes up).
"Well, I think the best thing about me, is that I'm super reliable. You know, I turn up when I say I will, I don't blow people off and I'm trustworthy. I'd never cheat on a girl." says A, whose words were more or less echoed by the rest in some form or other.
"The best thing about me, is that I'm financially secure," says B. "I don't gamble, I make calculated investments, I have a good steady job, a good income, and I save."
C pulls out the filial card: "I'm a family guy. I'm respectful to my parents, I look after my two younger sisters (he worked to pay for their education in Australia too) and I'm always around for my family."
D is good looking, fit, and one of the most athletic people I know: "I think the best thing about me, is my lifestyle. I'm healthy, I work out almost every day. I'm in shape and I like being active."
"Heck, I'm not too sure what's super special about me", but I'm just a really nice guy you know." E has so many positive traits, he can't single one out. "I'm an all-round friendly guy, most people think I'm reliable and honest and I'm responsible you know. That's why I'm good with people and I'm good at my job..."
If my buddies are any indication at all, it seems that Singaporean men, in general, are reliable, financially secure, value relationships and are all-around nice guys.
So why is it that all five of my buddies are either chronically single or divorced? They're all educated up to at least a first degree, hold good jobs, they're fit and healthy with no disfiguring illnesses, two of them are just plain rich and one looks like he could model underwear for a living.
By all means, each of them should be considered a "good catch", yet they spend Valentine's Day either alone, or trying to cajole someone out. After one too many "Lonely Hearts" sessions with these guys as their reluctant "fill in" date, I've formed the hypothesis that (some) Singaporean men are so good at their "good" traits, that there's ironically nothing exciting about them anymore. Everyone likes a reliable, trustworthy guy, but too much of that, and this fellow becomes staid, boring and predictable; the family guy who puts his family obligations first becomes a "mummy's boy"; and the financially dependable one ends up being an undesirable miserly figure who wouldn't spend on frivolities.
On the flipside, I have countless female acquaintances and friends of friends who aren't exactly the type that the average mother would be enamoured with. Simply put, they exhibit some of the worst traits of a female that I could imagine.
First of all, there's the group of chronic cheaters. It seems that one of the most deplorable traits about Singaporean women, is that when it comes to men and who they want to be with, they either can't make up their minds, or they want everyone out there. The chronic cheaters are girls who already have steady boyfriends (of years), but yet have a whole string of flings, one after another, to satisfy some apparent lack that their regular guy can't fulfil. And the amazing thing is that breaking up with their regular guy is out of the question, simply because he's such a reliable, family man (Note: Hear that, reliable, family men?) that he'd be a great investment for the future when marriage is eventually on the cards. One of these poor sods found out one day that his girl wasn't exactly true to him, but being so "nice", allowed her to have her fun if that would make her happy.Closely related to "wanting it all" when it comes to men, the other cringe-worthy trait of some Singaporean women is their unashamed materialism. They want expensive, shiny things too. A pal of mine has a friend who insisted that her boyfriend work another job so he could upgrade his car to a fancier model because his current second-hand clunker wasn't swanky enough to be valet-parked outside Zouk or something. And then there's the one who got all miserable and upset because her birthday was ruined when her boyfriend bought her a silver necklace (even if it did come with an engraved pendant), because it came from Perlini's and not Tiffany's. Both girls eventually got what they wanted though, from what I hear. So somewhere out there is a poor guy who works two jobs to pay off the loan on a swanky coupe and another's got a huge bill from Tiffany's for a necklace that although made of the same material, cost ten times more.
And then, there's the insanely jealous control freak. These are the girls with deep-rooted anxieties that make the green-eyed monster a permanent fixture. I've personally lost at least two guy friends who have disappeared down the "girlfriend abyss", simply because "my girlfriend doesn't like me hanging out with other girls..." And the crowning irony? There are Singaporean men out there who are more than willing to put up with these crazy cheating, materialistic and controlling traits, because all these girls I know, have (at least) one devoted partner.
Thinking about this blog topic that started out being more biased towards the men, I'm wondering who has the last laugh here.
The worst thing about Singaporean men, is that they're susceptible to be blinded by the flattery of a pretty girl paying them some short-term attention. And the best thing about Singaporean women, is that they're shrewd enough to suss out which guy will give them exactly what they want
(WoW! After reading this, my heart really goes out to her! She spoke my heart out even though I'm probably one of those guilty ones. It's rare that a singaporean woman criticises singaporean women! With so many realistic flaws of women which many do not realise, do you think Singaporean women are such a good catch after all?)
My interpersonal conflict
My NUS Science Club boss, Mary, and I, together with our entire committee, organised the Valentine’s Day Bazaar in the Faculty of Science. On that day, we hired external vendors to set up booths to sell items for a cause. We allowed our project directors and their committee members to do so as well. The whole purpose of this bazaar was to raise funds for our Freshmen Orientation Projects. Booths were randomly allocated and Mary specified that no one was to change the location of their booths.
On that faithful day, the sports director, John, realised that his booth was at an unfavourable location as there was low human traffic. Subsequently, he went around asking if anyone was willing to swap booths with him. One external vendor agreed and the swap took place. He thought it was alright not to inform Mary about the swap since the swap was mutually agreed. Do you think it was right of him to do so?
When Mary found out about the swap after her laboratory, she was enraged! She felt that John did not respect her at all as she was the event organiser. Being irrational, she closed down John’s booth, preventing his committee from selling their items. If you were her, would you have felt the same way too? When John realised that Mary had done that, John was even more infuriated! What made it worse was when he accidentally sent a SMS to her which stated “That stupid bitch closed my booth. What are we going to do?”. This SMS was supposedly meant for his Vice director, Paul. John soon realised his blunder and repeatedly apologised through SMS shortly after. He tried calling her but she did not answer his call. If you were John, how would you salvage the situation?
This unfortunate misunderstanding soured their working relationship by a great deal! When John explained and complained to me what had happened, I merely consoled him as I really did not know how to help him and did not dare to approach Mary. Do you think I should interfere if you were me?
On that faithful day, the sports director, John, realised that his booth was at an unfavourable location as there was low human traffic. Subsequently, he went around asking if anyone was willing to swap booths with him. One external vendor agreed and the swap took place. He thought it was alright not to inform Mary about the swap since the swap was mutually agreed. Do you think it was right of him to do so?
When Mary found out about the swap after her laboratory, she was enraged! She felt that John did not respect her at all as she was the event organiser. Being irrational, she closed down John’s booth, preventing his committee from selling their items. If you were her, would you have felt the same way too? When John realised that Mary had done that, John was even more infuriated! What made it worse was when he accidentally sent a SMS to her which stated “That stupid bitch closed my booth. What are we going to do?”. This SMS was supposedly meant for his Vice director, Paul. John soon realised his blunder and repeatedly apologised through SMS shortly after. He tried calling her but she did not answer his call. If you were John, how would you salvage the situation?
This unfortunate misunderstanding soured their working relationship by a great deal! When John explained and complained to me what had happened, I merely consoled him as I really did not know how to help him and did not dare to approach Mary. Do you think I should interfere if you were me?
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Why are effective communication skills important for me?
The theory of effective communication, in my opinion, is something that is easy to grasp but difficult to achieve. Before I took on this course, my father, being a businessman, had repeatedly told me how important it is to master the art of effective communication in this world. I do agree with him because as I grew older and took on more responsibilities, I began to understand that one doesn’t live alone. In order for one to be an effective and successful person, one has to be an effective communicator.
For example, I took on the challenging role of being the Freshmen Orientation Projects Assistant Chairperson (FOPAC) in the Science Faculty executive committee last year. My role was to assist my boss in overseeing the 5 Freshmen Orientation Projects such as Science Camp etc. and to be in charge of NUS and Science Open House and matriculation fair. From my personal experience, I had a number of conflicts with my boss due to misunderstanding during our communication through our favourite communication channels: emails and handphones. I admit that I was afraid of face-to-face talking, or even calling, because I did not want to handle any consequences or negative reactions from her. Using of ineffective communication channels resulted in her messages not been passed down to me clearly and this had an impact on me when my planning of NUS open house did not meet her expectations.
From this experience, I realized that good communication among individuals is needed for any projects to run smoothly and attain high standards. I hope that I can hone my communication skills from this course and be able to apply these skills in my future endeavours so as to become a more effective person. All in all, I hope to reap more than what I sow.
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