Reflection of ES1102 Lesson (After 9 weeks)

After nine weeks of ES1102 lessons, I think I have become ‘smarter’.   

I have developed a habit to ask myself more questions during my essay writing, some of them are “What am I trying to convey here? If I can’t understand, I can’t expect my reader to understand too.”

Through Dr Cook’s review and my peer reviews, I begin to know my weaknesses in academic writing. In fact, I am always eager to view the visual & audio feedback by Dr Cook. It is really beneficial as I could replay what I do not understand and cogitate on them until I understand. This has somewhat stretched my cognitive ability to a new level. In reality, comments from tutors are only mentioned once without the replay button. I felt that the visual & audio feedback really demand huge effort from Dr Cook; to express my appreciation; Thank you Dr Cook!

I felt have made great strides in the areas of content and organisation of academic writing. In view of the essay content, I understand the importance of thesis statement and topic sentence. Personally, in a ‘problem & solution’ essay writing, there has to be a succinct objective for the essay as well as its respective paragraph. Without it, the reader will feel disorientated and in this case, the writer would have failed to bring the message across. In addition, I am more capable in paraphrasing other works and citing original sources. Citation is especially vital for students as it serves as evidence that back up the student’s work – thus the credibility of the paper is ensured.

In the view of the essay organisation, I have grasped the structuring format for essay writing. Today, I am more confident to convey the big picture and the details of my story. A properly structured essay has an amazing power to capture the attention of the reader.

Until today, I still have a lot to improve on my grammatical competencies. It may be due to my poor foundation in English language, as I did not hone them back in my secondary school days. If there is a will, there will be way. Optimism and hard work is the key for growth.

With better understanding of the dynamics in academic writing, I am enabled to present an organised paper powered by critical thinking and proper research. To improve further and move beyond, I intend to read more scholarly article, good books and continuous revision on the grammar powerpoint.

Reflections: Learning Journey from 'Think and Grow Rich' by Napoleon Hill

"What the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve" by Napoleon Hill

This powerful statement made by Napoleon Hill has inspired me. Indeed it seems corny which many could have probably heard of this. My interest in his philosophy has led me to discover and read his perennial top-seller book: Think and Grow Rich.

This book encompasses many interviews of very successful people (e.g. Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford) whom – through the power of their desire, will, perseverance and faith – have attain great achievement in the aspects of wealth and astonishing accomplishments.

In today’s society, there are too much information, opinions and views, which could potentially drown many young minds of today’s generation. Because of fears and uncertainties, many dare not follow their dreams and passion. As a result, many will be trapped by dogmas, living their life of what other people believe is ‘supposingly’ correct. I am not excluded from this population as well. I am skeptical about living a life propels by one’s dream. There is some sort of warfare going on in my inner world that I sometimes, feel inadequate. Personally, I do not want to live my life indifferently.

This book has effectively strengthened my thought processes.  It is imperative to defend our own set of beliefs from the naysayers – who are lurking around to devour us anytime. 

I have learned many important lessons from the philosophy of success by the author. His philosophy has livened my world, which I can now put on a new lens to perceive how I should live my life that I desire. Saying is cheap and easy. How can I put them into practice?

In order to live a fulfilling life that is fuel by passion and its ultimate desires, the very first step for me will be mediating and planning on my definite purpose – believing that I can.

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Lao tzu