Prologue

Hello fellow visitors, welcome to my humble abode. My name is Thomas and I will be your host for the evening.mask

Before I begin with anything, let me introduce a little bit about myself and this blog. I’m currently a student in Taylor’s College Subang Jaya under the CAL programme. Course combo Bio-science, Which includes Bio, Chem, Physics and Maths. But wait… there’s another subject that I’m missing out here…. MPU (stands for Mata Pelajaran Umum) and that’s what this blog is for~

Mr. Arivom (my MPU lecturer) : *Talking about Personal Development… Helps 20%.. go to UK (Fish n chips), US (burger), AUS (kangaroo), Ireland (Beer)*.. Okay guys, I have a simple thing for you to do. I want you guys to go back and create a blog.

Students (G1, G2, G3)  : Haaaaa?!?!!

Mr. Arivom : In the blog, I want to see 1. Taylor’s Graduate Capabilities, 2. Personality test, 3. SMART goal. This is your assignment. When you’re done, send me the link. I want to see these 3 things in your blog.

Okay…

So while we’re at it, let’s have a little bit of fun~

My group  ⇒

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Biodata:

Name: Thomas Wei Han Tay

ID: 1407A26900

Programme: CAL

Class: Group 3

Things I love: Playing badminton, watching anime, listening to music, chemistry and biology, my family and friends ❤

SWOT

strength_training

My Strengths :

-Can concentrate in quiet environment

-deligent

-open minded

-good tempered

-patient

-honest

-realistic

-considerate

weakness3

My Weakness :

-cannot multitask

-blur

-slow in maths

-easily influenced

Generator-Opportunity

My Opportunities :

-Good lecturers

-Supportive parents

-Learning hub

-Library

-Student success room

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My threats :

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Reflections

Personality test

Every individual has his own personality. It’s what make us who we are. It’s the variety of personalities in this world that makes it so interesting. Imagine the world having a whole population with the same personality. Like robots. Like zombies. Life would be so boring. So monotonous. So lifeless. Each individual is unique. Nobody is perfect. It’s the little flaws that make life worth living for.

My opinion? Don’t try to change who you are into somebody you’re not. However, people change as they grow. The personality test from humanmetrics said I am an ISFJ and I’m not going to do anything to change that because that’s who I am and what makes me unique. Although I might change as I grow, I’ll just let nature take it’s course.

Of course, to improve oneself, he has to change. However, this change is not a change of personality but a change of attitude towards doing work. To improve myself, I have to be more hardworking especially in doing revisions.

P.S. after showing my work to Mr. Arivom, he suggested for me to add a few things

I will now introduce two terms that was suggested. Attitude and aptitude.

Google’s definition of attitude and aptitude:

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According to Mr Arivom, aptitude is something that you cannot change while attitude is something you can change. My aptitude or my natural ability is that I can focus well in quiet environments but there are ups and downs. I cannot multitask. Since aptitude cannot be changed, I will adapt and make use of it by going to the quiet study zone above the library after school to do my assignments.
Attitude on the other hand is a settled way of thinking and feeling which can be changed by changing one’s mindset.
James Caan – “To be successful in any area in life you need to have the right attitude, which means you have to approach any task or job with determination, tenacity and above all plenty of enthusiasm.”
In order for me to study more efficiently, I need to have the correct attitude towards studying which is to be determined and hardworking instead of being lazy which leads to procrastination and accumulation of unfinished assignments.
CUS596AttitudeAptitudeAltitude

Smart Goal

Here are the goals I have set for myself.

Big picture: I want to live happily ever after with my wife and kids and take care of my parents.

Short term goal :

  • Score at least 3A, 1B for my A-levels
  • Stay back at library after school everyday until 6pm to finish my homework
  • Read Biology before sleeping 9pm to 12 pm
  • Finish the day’s work on that day itself, no procrastinating

Long term goal :

Plan A:

  • Apply to NUS
  • Find my passion and study in that field; Dentistry? Pharmacy? Physiology?
  • Am I going to University just for the sake of going to University? If yes, Plan B. If no, continue.
  • Graduate.
  • Get a stable job that I enjoy. (Must have some leisure time)
  • Get married, have babies, spend time with family.

Plan B:

  • Learn culinary skills from my dad
  • Continue my dad’s restaurant business
  • Get married, have babies
  • Hire enough workers to keep the restaurant running even without me.
  • Spend time with family.

Implementing it is the difficult part. Since I’m having my Semester exams in about a month’s time, now is a good time for me to start implementing my short term goals. I hope I have the discipline to continue doing it for the remaining 1 year that I have in Taylor’s College.

VAK

In my opinion, all three learning methods are important to master for efficient learning. As human beings, we are given eyes to see, ears to listen, and muscles and limbs to do things, skin to touch and feel. We shouldn’t neglect any of these methods, be it Visual, Auditory or Kinesthetic. We should utilise what God had given us to the best that we can.

As for now, my learning methods as a student mainly revolves around Visual and Auditory because for A-levels, we are still mostly only learning the theory.

Visual – I learn better with colourful diagrams. When learning something involving a process, I picture the process in my head.

Auditory – I listen attentively to the lecture in class. I read out loud so that I can hear myself.

Kinesthetic – Doing exercises and past year questions.

I still think that Kinesthetic (learning via experience) is the best way to learn something but as an A-level student, It only applies to doing exercises on pen and paper because the assessment is 100% exam based.

My VAK

Do you know what VAK stands for?vak1

Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic. These are the 3 ways in which human beings learn

In my opinion, everybody learns using all 3 methods to the same extent. If I were to choose one of these, based on my learning style in Taylor’s College, I would say that I’m Visual. Although kinesthetic, learning by experience is the best way to learn, we seldom get that kind of exposure in college. The lectures in class only involves Visual (powerpoint slides) and Auditory (lecturer’s lecture) since we’re only learning the theory. Visual and Auditory complement each other. In class, we need to observe the slides with our eyes and listen attentively to the lecturer’s explanation at the same time.I choose visual only because I can’t catch up when my Bio lecturer blabbers a whole lot of bio jargon really fast.

When revising, I’m both visual and auditory. I understand better with colourful diagrams. Colour makes everything more interesting. I’m also auditory because I can absorb better when I read something out loud so I can hear myself.

Setting Goals (SMART Goal)

Alright. To become a successful person in life, one needs to set goals. Of course, setting goals alone is not enough. We still need to work and put in effort in order to attain the goal. The advantage of setting a goal is to have a clear picture of what we want. Once we know what we really want, it would be easier to work towards that goal without straying.

Now let’s set some goals !

But wait… how do we start? Think S.M.A.R.T

 Create-Smart-Goals

There are several versions of SMART goals but I prefer this one

  • Specific. When setting goals, they should answer the highly specific questions of who, what, where, when, and why. Instead of the general goal, “I want to get into shape,” try for a specific goal, “I want to run my first half-marathon this year.”
  • Measurable. In order for us to track our progress, goals should be quantifiable. “I’m going to walk more” is far more difficult to track and measure than “Everyday I’m going to walk around the track 16 times.”
  • Attainable. It is important to evaluate your situation honestly and recognize which goals are realistic, and which are a little far-fetched. Instead of, “I am going to be this nation’s Mother Teresa,” (while admirable) it might be more realistic to say, “I am going to volunteer four nights a week at my local soup kitchen.”
  • Relevant. Is this goal relevant to your life and to the “big picture” questions you have already asked yourself? Some good questions to ask yourself when figuring this out are: does it seem worthwhile? Is now the right time for this? Does this match my needs?
  • Time-related. Setting a “due date” to meet goals not only keeps you on track, but it prevents pesky daily roadblocks from getting in the way. Instead of saying “I’m going to get my college degree”, you might consider saying, “I’m going to get my B.A. in 4 years.

Now, time for me to set some goals for myself ~

Lets-Do-This

Big picture: I want to live happily ever after with my wife and kids and take care of my parents.

Short term goal :

  • Score at least 3A, 1B for my A-levels
  • Stay back at library after school everyday until 6pm to finish my homework
  • Read Biology before sleeping 9pm to 12 pm
  • Finish the day’s work on that day itself, no procrastinating

Long term goal :

Plan A:

  • Apply to NUS
  • Find my passion and study in that field; Dentistry? Pharmacy? Physiology?
  • Am I going to University just for the sake of going to University? If yes, Plan B. If no, continue.
  • Graduate.
  • Get a stable job that I enjoy. (Must have some leisure time)
  • Get married, have kids, spend time with family.

Plan B:

  • Learn culinary skills from my dad
  • Continue my dad’s restaurant business
  • Get married, have kids.
  • Hire enough workers to keep the restaurant running even without me.
  • Spend time with family.

Now it’s your turn to make your goals. This website is a nice guide.

What are you waiting for?? start1 making your goals now !!

setting-goals


Personality Test

prospective_personality_quiz Cross check the shape you chose with the personality descriptions below. Don’t cheat !!! 

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1. Introspective Sensitive Reflective You come to grips more frequently and thoroughly with yourself and your environment than do most people. You detest superficiality; you’d rather be alone than have to suffer through small talk. But your relationships with your friends are highly intensive, which gives you the inner tranquility and harmony that you need in order to feel good. However it is no problem for you to be alone for extended periods of time, without becoming bored.

2. Independent Unconventional Unfettered You demand a free and unattached life for yourself that allows you to determine your own course. You have an artistic bent in your work or leisure activities. Your urge for freedom sometimes causes you to do exactly the opposite of what expected of you. Your lifestyle is highly individualistic. You would never blindly imitate what is “in”; on the contrary, you seek to live according to your own ideas and convictions, even if this means swimming against the tide.

3. Dynamic Active Extroverted You are quite willing to accept certain risks and to make a strong commitment in exchange for interesting and varied work. Routine, in contrast, tends to have a paralyzing effect on you. What you like most is to be able to play an active role in events. In doing so, your initiative is highly pronounced.

4. Down to Earth Well-Balanced Harmonious You value a natural style and love that which is uncomplicated. People admire you because you have both feet planted firmly on the ground and they can depend on you. You give those who are close to you security and space. You are perceived as being warm and human. You reject everything that is garish and trite. You tend to be skeptical toward the whims of fashion trends. For you, clothing has to be practical and unobtrusively elegant.

5. Professional Pragmatic Self-assured You take charge of your life, and place less faith in your luck and more in your own deeds. You solve problems in a practical, uncomplicated manner. You take a realistic view of the things in your daily life and tackle them without wavering. You are given a great deal of responsibility at work, because people know that you can be depended upon. Your pronounced strength of will projects your self-assurance to others. You are never fully satisfied until you have accomplished your ideas.

6. Peaceful Discreet Non-Aggressive You are easy-going yet discreet. You make friends effortlessly, yet enjoy your privacy and independence. You like to get away from it all and be alone from time to time to contemplate the meaning of life and enjoy yourself. You need space, so you escape to beautiful hideaways, but you are not a loner. You are at peace with yourself and the world, and you appreciate life and what this world has to offer.

7. Carefree Playful Cheerful You love a free and spontaneous life. And you attempt to enjoy it to the fullest, in accordance with the motto: “You only live once.” You are very curious and open about everything new; you thrive on change. Nothing is worse than when you feel tied down. You experience your environment as being versatile and always good for a surprise.

8. Romantic Dreamy Emotional You are a very sensitive person. You refuse to view things only from a sober, rational standpoint. What your feelings tell you is just as important to you. In fact, you feel it is important to have dreams in life, too. You reject people who scorn romanticism and are guided only by rationality. You refuse to let anything confine the rich variety of your moods and emotions.

9. Analytical Trustworthy Self-assured Your momentary sensitivity represents that which is of high quality and durable. Consequently, you like to surround yourself with little “gems,” which you discover wherever others overlook them. Thus, culture plays a special role in your life. You have found your own personal style, which is elegant and exclusive, free from the whims of fashion. Your ideal, upon which you base your life, is cultured pleasure. You value a certain level of culture on the part of the people with whom you associate.

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Which one did you get? I was having a difficult time choosing between one and three. After reading both of them, the first one suited my personality better. It was fun wasn’t it? However, after Mr. Arivom reviewed our printed work on Thursday, I realised that he wants a more quantitative test so I did another personality test from humanmetrics.com. There were 72 questions.

This is how I answered And this is how I scored. If you’re interested in how the questions are like, you can click the link and click the back button to get back to this page.

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Hmm.. seems like I’m a ISFJ..

ISFJ PERSONALITY

Love only grows by sharing. You can only have more for yourself by giving it away to others.

Brian Tracy

The ISFJ personality type is quite unique, as many of their qualities defy the definition of their individual traits. Though possessing the Feeling (F) trait, ISFJs have excellent analytical abilities; though Introverted (I), they have well-developed people skills and robust social relationships; and though they are a Judging (J) type, ISFJs are often receptive to change and new ideas. As with so many things, people with the ISFJ personality type are more than the sum of their parts, and it is the way they use these strengths that defines who they are.

ISFJs are true altruists, meeting kindness with kindness-in-excess and engaging the work and people they believe in with enthusiasm and generosity.

ISFJ personalityThere’s hardly a better type to make up such a large proportion of the population, nearly 13%. Combining the best of tradition and the desire to do good, ISFJs are found in lines of work with a sense of history behind them, such as medicine, academics and charitable social work.

ISFJ personalities (especially Turbulent ones) are often meticulous to the point of perfectionism, and though they procrastinate, they can always be relied on to get the job done on time. ISFJs take their responsibilities personally, consistently going above and beyond, doing everything they can to exceed expectations and delight others, at work and at home.

WE MUST BE SEEN TO BE BELIEVED

The challenge for ISFJs is ensuring that what they do is noticed. They have a tendency to underplay their accomplishments, and while their kindness is often respected, more cynical and selfish people are likely to take advantage of ISFJs’ dedication and humbleness by pushing work onto them and then taking the credit. ISFJs need to know when to say no and stand up for themselves if they are to maintain their confidence and enthusiasm.

Naturally social, an odd quality for Introverts, ISFJs utilize excellent memories not to retain data and trivia, but to remember people, and details about their lives. When it comes to gift-giving, ISFJs have no equal, using their imagination and natural sensitivity to express their generosity in ways that touch the hearts of their recipients. While this is certainly true of their coworkers, whom people with the ISFJ personality type often consider their personal friends, it is in family that their expressions of affection fully bloom.

IF I CAN PROTECT YOU, I WILL

ISFJ personalities are a wonderful group, rarely sitting idle while a worthy cause remains unfinished. ISFJs’ ability to connect with others on an intimate level is unrivaled among Introverts, and the joy they experience in using those connections to maintain a supportive, happy family is a gift for everyone involved. They may never be truly comfortable in the spotlight, and may feel guilty taking due credit for team efforts, but if they can ensure that their efforts are recognized, ISFJs are likely to feel a level of satisfaction in what they do that many other personality types can only dream of.

Famous ISFJs:

Queen Elizabeth II
Robert E. Lee
Queen Mary I
Halle Berry
“Samwise Gamgee” from The Lord of the Rings
“Dr Watson,” Sherlock Holmes’ partner

Taylor’s Graduate Capabilities

So I was looking for Taylor’s Graduate Capabilities in the student’s portal as instructed by Mr. Arivom. I went through the stuff in there and decided to start by downloading the Student Handbook and what do you know? I found what I was looking for on page 7 and 8 of the Student Handbook. Click the hyperlink, everything is in there.

TaylorCollege

TAYLOR’S GRADUATE CAPABILITIES

The teaching and learning approach at Taylor’s College is focused on developing the Taylor’s Graduate Capabilities (TGC) in its students; capabilities that encompass the knowledge, cognitive capabilities and soft skills of our graduates. The TGC gives students the edge to start and stay ahead. The TGC ensure that Taylor’s graduates are capable in the following areas:

DISCIPLINE-SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE
Has a sound understanding of foundational concepts and theories in subject area.

COGNITIVE CAPABILITIES
Foundations and skills for lifelong learning – Learns autonomously; is able to acquire and manage information, comprehends a wide variety of literature and has an awareness of contemporary global issues.
Problem-solving skills – Defines issues or problems well; analyses problems comprehensively; applies knowledge effectively and applies theory to practice; is able to think critically and arrive at workable and effective solutions.

SOFT SKILLS
Communication skills – Speaks and writes well; is able to organise, synthesise and present information effectively
Interpersonal skills – Understands team dynamics, the power of teams and teamwork; Works with others in a team; is able to assume leadership in small and/or big groups
 Intrapersonal skills – Manages time effectively; Understands the role of personal image and professionalism at work; Works independently in context of tasks to be completed
 Cosmopolitan thinking and intercultural competence – Forms opinions and articulates views from a global perspective; Has an awareness of and sensitivity to cross-cultural differences
 Technology savvy – Competent in executive keyboarding; effectively uses ICT and related technologies.

Where was I and where do I stand now?

Discipline-specific knowledge. Before I came to Taylor’s College, I only had half of the SPM candidate knowledge because I haven’t been studying or revising after my SPM. For that 6 months, I was on and off helping my dad at the shop and staying at home, playing online games and watching TV, and going out for a movie with my friends once in a while. Now, I’ve recalled most of the things I’ve learnt in SPM and I also learned new things especially in chemistry. It’s not like SPM at all. And although my maths is still not as good as my current classmates, I’ve improved alot thanks to my caring and dedicated maths lecturer, Miss Shoba.

As for cognitive capabilities and soft skills, I don’t think there’s much changes in me yet. Being quiet natured, I tried to improve my communication skills by joining Taylor College’s Toastmasters Club where members practice public speaking. However, It didn’t turn out well because I didn’t know what to say when I got on stage for Table Topics, so for the past few weeks I just attend the meetings to listen to other’s speaches and maybe learn from them.

I think I’m quite technology savvy when it comes to computers because of the online games I’ve been playing when I was free.