Self-introduction and communication goals (letter)

Subject: Self-Introduction and Communication Goals Dear Prof. Blackstone, I hope this email finds you well. My name is Sun Lanxin and I am currently pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering. My interest in the field stems from a passion for designing sustainable infrastructure that positively benefits communities. My communication strengths include active listening and empathy. These skills have allowed me to effectively understand the perspectives of others and build strong relationships in both group projects and personal interactions. However, I recognize that I struggle with nervousness during public speaking and group discussions. While I can express myself clearly when I have prepared in advance, I find it challenging to speak confidently when I am asked to improvise or respond immediately. In addition, because English is not my first language, I sometimes hesitate to choose the right words, which adds to my nervousness. Through this module, I aim to overcome these weaknesses by developing ways to manage my nerves, improve my ability to think and speak on the spot, and increase my overall confidence in English communication. I also hope to improve my ability to adapt my communication style to different audiences and contexts, which will be vital in my future career as an engineer. What makes me unique is my sense of determination and problem-solving mindset. I believe that these traits, combined with the skills I will gain from this module, will help me grow as an effective communicator and professional. Thank you for sparing the time to read my email. I look forward to learning from you and improving my communication skills through this module. Sincerely, Sun Lanxin



Classmates I commented on: Treven, Constance, Siqi

Comments

  1. constance19 January 2025 at 20:14

    Dear Lanxin,

    Thank you so much for sharing such a thoughtful and well-structured introduction! I’m truly impressed by your clarity of purpose, empathy, and active listening skills, which really highlight your genuine desire to grow as a communicator. I love that you’re also aware of the areas you want to work on, especially managing nerves and building confidence when speaking on the spot!
    To take it to the next level, it could be super helpful to include a more detailed plan on how you’ll tackle these challenges, like practicing regularly, joining speaking clubs, or seeking feedback from others. Overall, this is a wonderful start, and I’m excited to support you as you continue improving!

    Best regards,
    Constance Chew

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lanxin19 January 2025 at 20:22

      Hi Constance,

      Thanks for the comment! The suggestions are very constructive and helpful, and I will definitely try applying them, I look forward to working and improving with you in this module!

      Regards,
      Lanxin

      Delete
  2. Brad Blackstone31 January 2025 at 20:28

    Dear Lanxin,

    Thank you for this clear, concise and informative letter. You address the points of the brief fairly well.

    I like learning, for example, about interest in "designing sustainable infrastructure that positively benefits communities." I'm just curious about the genesis of that passion. How did you develop such a passion? Did your parents influence you, or was this a journey of self discovery?

    I also appreciate you sharing openly on your comm skills strength and weakness. I can imagine the challenges that you face, and given that Englosh is not your native language, I admire what you have accomplished already. To make this letter a bit more robust, you might have shared, in a sentence or two, more info on your linguistic and cultural journey.

    In your letter, you do explain that it is your "determination and problem-solving mindset" that make you stand out. One anecdote to support this would have been useful for us readers.

    In terms of your language use in this letter, you have made a very good effort.

    I look forward to working with you further this term. I challenge you to make more of an effort in class to express yourself.

    Best wishes,

    Brad

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lanxin10 February 2025 at 05:39

      Dear Brad,

      Thank you for your thoughtful feedback and encouragement. I appreciate the time you took to review my letter and provide such detailed insights.

      Regarding my passion for designing sustainable infrastructure, it actually stems from my early interest in traditional Chinese gardening. I have always been fascinated by how these gardens create harmony between nature and human spaces, incorporating sustainable water management, biodiversity, and spatial balance. Over time, this appreciation evolved into a broader concern for sustainability, particularly in urban environments where responsible design can have a significant impact on communities.

      I also appreciate your comments on my communication skills. English has indeed been a journey for me, and adapting to different linguistic and cultural contexts has been both challenging and rewarding. I will take your suggestion to heart and make more of an effort to share my thoughts in class.

      Looking forward to learning and working with you this term!

      Best regards,
      Lanxin

      Delete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The importance of communication skills for engineers (quote explanation)

Image
  This quote emphasizes the importance of communication as a fundamental skill that graduates should ace for their career lives. It suggests that employers highly value the ability to communicate effectively, as it directly impacts one's ability to secure employment and ensure professional performance. From a broader perspective, the statement underscores the universal applicability of communication skills. It suggests that regardless of the industry or role, effective communication serves as the foundation for teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. However, it is worth questioning whether all professions place equal emphasis on communication or whether some prioritize technical expertise or specialized skills more. Additionally, the quote prompts reflection on the responsibility of educational institutions to prepare graduates with strong communication skills. In today’s rapidly changing work environment, the definition of communication has expanded to include digital and cros...
Read more

Summary + thesis + supports #2

  Summary: Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC)  is an innovative construction method in which fully prefabricated modules are manufactured off-site in controlled environments and assembled on-site (Building and Construction Authority, 2024). Modules are pre-fitted with electrical, plumbing, and interior finishes, minimising on-site labour and disruptions. The method supports diverse applications, including residential, commercial, and institutional buildings, while integrating seamlessly with traditional construction techniques. According to the study by Tambichik et al. (2022), compared to the traditional Industrialized Building System method, PPVC was able to reduce the construction period by about 35%. Other benefits of PPVC include superior quality, cost-effectiveness, and improved safety by reducing hazards in factory environments. However, challenges such as high initial investment, transportation logistics, and reg...
Read more