Final Blog assignment

Critical Reflection

Enrolling in USC1001, taught by Professor Blackstone, was an immensely enriching experience and one that I will remember fondly. In my letter to the professor, I shared that I had spent five years working in the army as a regular. During my time in the military, I was trained to be a robust and disciplined individual who followed orders rather than questioned them. However, after leaving the force, I recognized that the mindset and skills developed in the military were not fully transferable to civilian life. Under Professor Blackstone's mentorship, I aimed to pivot from a military mindset to becoming an effective communicator in university and a competent professional in the industry.

One of my goals was to improve my communication skills, particularly in reducing filler words and refining my letter-writing abilities. Professor Blackstone taught us the importance of proper citation for our reader responses, following APA style. This skill is crucial when writing reports and theses, as it trains writers to reference official sources and give due credit to authors.

What I found most enriching was the segment on effectively utilizing generative AI for optimal results and learning how to properly cite AI-generated content. This proved invaluable for writing reports and other documents. I applied these skills when composing a 1,500-word essay for a scholarship application, which involved identifying the core values and goals of the organization and articulating how I could contribute. Thanks to this module, I have enhanced my ability to think critically and convey messages in a clear, diplomatic, and impactful manner.

Project Learning

For our research project, my team chose to focus on a drone tether system. We conducted extensive research on the equipment and explored how it could prevent drone-related incidents in Singapore. As a drone pilot, I contributed my personal and professional experiences to the research, culminating in a comprehensive and informative presentation. Through this process, I discovered my ability to translate technical knowledge into well-structured written reports. Additionally, I learned to use citations from relevant articles to strengthen key points in our argument.

For the oral presentation, I had the honour of representing the class in an IMechE challenge as a presentation candidate. This opportunity allowed me to hone my presentation skills, including maintaining eye contact, modulating my tone, and pacing my delivery. However, I failed to consider the nature of my audience. I used an analogy involving a “fat girlfriend transformation” to illustrate the serviceability and longevity of the product, which was perceived as offensive by the judges. As a result, I did not win the competition.

While this was disappointing, it was a significant learning moment. I understand the importance of being mindful of my audience and ensuring that my content is appropriate and respectful. Moving forward, I will strive to deliver presentations with greater sensitivity, neutrality, and professionalism.