Self Introduction
Dear Professor Blackstone,
I hope this email finds you well. My name is Dillon Ching and previously I was in a German diploma course that specialised in mechanical engineering. Honestly, my journey into engineering was quite amusing. After secondary school, I was keen to pursue a career in arts at NAFA (Nanyang Acadamy of Fine Arts). However, my art teacher at the time gave me an eye-opening talk about the reality of arts in Singapore and advised me to consider engineering as it had elements of creativity with the added fact of employment security. But if you ask me today if I could turn back time, would I still pick this route? It would be a yes in a heartbeat. Engineering to me is the bridge that links ideas to a very possible reality, the ability to dream big, innovate, and champion a better tomorrow.
In terms of communication, my strength lies in being objective-oriented, especially in a professional setting. I am able to focus on the task at hand and put feelings aside. This trait was polished during my tour in Air Force operations before pursuing my current studies. However, this is a dual-edged sword as I do recognise that I need to be more compassionate, as I am no longer dealing with critical situations where time is not of the essence. As strange as it may sound I guess I am relearning to “humanify” myself and I feel this module is the golden opportunity to do so.
My goal for UCS1001 is to enhance my verbal communication skills and “level up” as a confident speaker. I already feel somewhat confident in speaking and the way I portray myself, but as Tony Robbins said "If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got". Additionally, I hope to improve how I engage diverse audiences, especially since my unique educational background, coupled with my time as an operations controller in the airforce, as well as a dive master trainee, has exposed me to a wide range of experiences, I am excited to receive insights into communications and how this module can take me up a notch.
Thank you for your invaluable time, and I look forward to more “Blackstone’s World Without Walls”.
Best regards,
Dillon Ching
Commented on: Vivyan, Jarrett, Yuan Xu, Fadlan, Farhan & Nicholas
Hi Dillon, it's interesting to know more about your background, how it led you to the engineering path, and how did your NS experience and hobby shaped the way you think and execute them. The letter is clear and concise. I also agree that we have to be more compassionate when we communicate, as it encourages active listening and deeper understanding of each other view point, leading to a more meaningful interaction.
ReplyDeleteThankyou Yuan Xu!
DeleteInteresting that you came from a German Diploma course, it's something unique about yourself. I think that it was a wise choice to pursue engineering instead of Arts and glad that you found your calling. I also liked how you showed the connection between your time in NS to your strengths and weaknesses. Overall it was a interesting read of what makes you, you. 10/10 would read again.
ReplyDeleteThanks Fadlan!
DeleteHey Dillon, It was a pleasure reading your letter and it’s great knowing you! Your journey from arts to engineering is truly inspiring, and I like how your art teacher advised you about the realities of arts in Singapore while guiding you towards engineering, which still allows for creativity. It shows great adaptability on your part. I also appreciate how you’ve connected your diverse experiences, from Air Force operations to your current studies, and how you’re aiming to balance objectivity with compassion. I completely agree with the quotes you mentioned it's amazing how they contribute to personal growth and problem-solving. I believe that this course will further sharpen your verbal communication skills and help you "level up" as a confident speaker.
ReplyDeleteThankyou Farhan!
DeleteHi Dillion, good effort on the write-up! I feel that you're lucky to have an art teacher who was willing to give you some insights into the art industry in Singapore, and subsequently recommend you to pursue a career in the engineering sector as it also requires you to be creative in solving problems for the job. I agree that it is good to be able to put your feelings aside when you execute a task, especially in crucial situations as you do not want to have your emotions cloud your judgement. Ultimately your letter was concrete with the examples given such as your time in the Air Force with your goals clearly stated as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks Nicholas!
DeleteHi Dillion! Really enjoyed your letter, and I really got to know you better after reading this. It was surprising to know that you came from a German diploma course, and that you were once keen on pursing a career in the arts! Overall a very clear and concise letter, and I am excited to see you achieve your goals, and how your verbal communication skills can continue to improve throughout the lessons :)
ReplyDeleteThanks! Vivyan!
DeleteGood Day Dillon,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your email. Your introduction touches on your background such as being from NAFA and taking up a German Diploma. The reason behind picking up engineering is quite clear and I appreciate that you see engineering as a bridge between reality and imagination.
Your touch of communication highlights your strengths and weaknesses quite well. I appreciate the transition between the strengths and weaknesses, and I really like how it flows. The touch on being from the Air Force and trying to as you put it "humanify" yourself, I find it quite relatable.
For your goals, I admire the goals that you have set for yourself. The quote by Tony Robbins add to your personal touch to this email as well. The goals are well-elaborated and quite clear.
Overall, the email is clear and concise. The content was just right and well elaborated. The "vibes" was on point.
I forgot to add but I think that the 7Cs were quite well met.
DeleteThankyou Jarrett!
Delete