Reflective Thoughts and Action Exercise

 

Ideal	To follow my schedule to work on study/homework/tasks regularly
Reality(gap)	Often procrastinate leaving things to do at the last day of the week, before the due date
Causes/Results	Often feel like there is still a lot of time for me to complete on the tasks, doing things that is less important first. Often feel tired and stressed at the end of the week. End up having late night study sessions.
Effects/Results	Increased stress and anxiety. End up having anxiety of impending deadlines which affected my sleep, further impacting focus and productivity.
Goal	To cultivate consistent work habits and minimize procrastination.
Possible change	Allocate specific time slots in my schedule for studying, homework, and other tasks. Treat these slots as important appointments and avoid scheduling other activities during these times
Testing the hypothesis > Solution	I decided to track my progress using a productivity app. Note the time spent on tasks, and any challenges encountered and modify accordingly.
Outcome of change	Now I am able to meet deadlines consistently and avoiding last-minute cramming which significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels.

Self-Introduction Letter

Dear Professor Blackstone,

My name is XiaoRou, and I am a Year 1 Civil Engineering student. I am excited to be part of your Critical Thinking class this trimester and wanted to take a moment to introduce myself.

I graduated from Singapore Polytechnic in 2024 with a diploma in Civil Engineering. Initially, I chose this field somewhat by chance, but as I progressed through my studies, I developed a deep appreciation for the built environment. Over time, I began paying closer attention to buildings and infrastructure, which fueled my curiosity and passion for the subject. This growing interest led me to pursue further studies in civil engineering.

Beyond academics, music plays a significant role in my life. I enjoy playing various instruments, including the piano, guitar, and flute. While I wouldn’t consider myself highly skilled, music is a constant presence that helps me relax and express my creativity. I try to play regularly and also enjoy listening to a wide range of music, as it provides me with inspiration and a sense of calm.

One of my strengths is my ability to actively listen, which allows me to connect with others and foster open communication. However, I sometimes struggle to articulate my thoughts clearly, especially under pressure. Speaking up in class is something I find challenging, but I am eager to step out of my comfort zone, engage in discussions, and learn from your expertise.

Thank you for your time in reading my letter. I look forward to the opportunity to learn from you this trimester.

 

Sincerely,

XiaoRou

(Edited)

Read Khad and Fatris’s letter

#Quote Week 1

“Without clear lines of communication, our ideas would stay within our own small development teams instead of becoming mature products. While this is obvious to those of us who have become experienced engineers, the real question is: Why is it lost to us when we are engineering students?”

                  Akbar R Khan, Software Systems Engineer, USA,

                                               “Good Communication is Essential…” (2014)

Engineering students who primarily focus on technical and analytical aspects for most of their studying life tend to develop a strong focus on technical proficiency, where structured problem-solving with clear methods and outcomes are often emphasized. However, this focus leaves little opportunity for them to practice and develop their communication skills.

Unlike academic tasks which have clear outlines and definitive solutions, professional environments require students to communicate with a diverse variety of people with different experiences, knowledge, and hierarchical authority. This lack of exposure can lead to students feeling unprepared and unsure of how to voice their ideas. This then leads to students feeling hesitant to contribute to discussions which consequently limits their ability to collaborate effectively.

Furthermore, students tend to develop the habit of working independently and keeping their ideas to themselves, since academic success is mostly reliant on individual effort. They will find it hard to overcome the transition when they move to a working environment where engineers are required to communicate as it is integral to their work life.