Formal Introductory Letter
Subject: Self-Introduction Letter, UCS1001 Critical Thinking and Communicating S12
Dear Professor Blackstone,
I am writing this letter to introduce myself as a student in your critical thinking and communication class. My name is Siti Khadijah, but you may call me Khad. I am a first-year student in civil engineering at Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT). I graduated from Temasek Polytechnic with a diploma in interior architecture and design in 2023.
Since a young age, I have always been passionate about architecture which initially led me to explore the creative aspects of design. Upon graduating with my diploma, I wanted to delve into the technical aspects of the construction field, which inspired me to pursue civil engineering at SIT. Though this progression was rather challenging, it deepened my understanding of the structural and practical elements behind architectural designs. By combining my design background and new engineering knowledge, I hope to develop a versatile skillset, bringing creativity and technical insight to the table and industry.
Throughout this academic transition, I have realised the importance of effective communication in bridging creative design concepts with practical solutions. As a visual learner, I sometimes struggle to respond spontaneously during discussions or critique sessions especially when ideas or feedback are explained verbally without visual support. Being put on the spot makes me anxious and struggle to fully articulate my thoughts immediately. However, my strength in visual communication allows me to translate ideas through sketches, models and storyboards which has helped me effectively sell my design concepts during pitch presentations.
Although my strength in visual communication has been a valuable asset, I acknowledge the importance of strengthening my overall communication skills, particularly in verbal and critical thinking contexts. Thus through this module, I aim to enhance my ability to process and respond to impromptu ideas, especially in verbal discussions. I also intend to improve my critical thinking skills by effectively analysing and articulating arguments, both in written and spoken form.
All in all, this drive to be a more well-rounded communicator is complemented by my resilience and ability to adapt to new challenges. While my transition into engineering has highlighted areas for growth, I approach problems with determination as I take pride in anything I do and have a strong commitment to every task given.
Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. I look forward to enhancing my communication and critical thinking skills from you in the coming classes.
Best regards,
Siti Khadijah (Read XiaoRou, Sandra and Lyka's letter)
Hi Khad,
ReplyDeleteI admire how you've combined your creative design background with a desire to deepen your technical expertise, showing a commitment to developing a versatile skillset. Additionally, your strength in visual communication, such as using sketches and models to convey ideas, is a valuable asset that enhances your ability to communicate complex concepts effectively.
While your strength in visual communication is evident, you acknowledge that spontaneous verbal discussions without visual aids are areas where you face challenges. This self-awareness is commendable, and I believe that through this module, you'll gain confidence and improve your verbal communication skills.
Best Regards,
Peck Shien
Hi Peckshien,
DeleteThank you for your kind and encouraging words. I truly appreciate your acknowledgement of my strengths and weaknesses. I'm aware of my challenges in verbal communication and determined to improve and grow in this area. Thank you for your support, it means a lot. I'm looking forward to learn alongside you as well.
Best regards,
Khad
Dear Khad,
ReplyDeleteI had a pleasant time reading through your self-introduction letter. I it is well-structured, professional, and insightful. You’ve done a great job reflecting on your background, strengths, and goals, and your passion for combining creativity with technical expertise makes your introduction unique and engaging.
You demonstrated a thoughtful career progression and clear vision for your future by connecting your creative background to your current engineering aspirations.
I can relate to your letter as I too have difficulty in articulating and spontaneously responding to prompted questions or in a group discussions. As we go through this module together, I hope we can overcome this challenge and excel in our future careers.
Overall, your letter is thoughtful and effectively communicates your personality and aspirations. Thank you for sharing your self-introduction, and I look forward to learning and growing alongside you in this module.
Best regards,
Muhammad Fatris Bin Malek
Dear Fatris,
DeleteThank you for taking the time to read my letter and provide such a thoughtful feedback. I truly appreciate your kind words and encouragement. Thank you for sharing your perspective about your challenges in articulating your thoughts and spontaneously responding in discussions as well. It's reassuring to know that i'm not alone in this. I hope to grow and improve together alongside you as well.
Best regards,
Khad
Hi Khad,
ReplyDeleteIt was great getting to know more about you through your introduction. Thanks for sharing your background. Your journey from interior design to civil engineering is truly impressive, demonstrating a remarkable dedication to expanding your knowledge and skills within the built environment.
I particularly appreciate your candidness about the challenges you face in verbal communication. We all have our strengths and areas for growth, and I believe this course will provide valuable opportunities for us to develop and refine our communication skills together.
I am confident that your unique background in design will bring a valuable perspective to our class discussions. I am eager to learn from your insights and contribute to a supportive and enriching learning experience for all.
Best regards,
XiaoRou
Hi XiaoRou,
DeleteThank you for taking the time to read my letter and for the thoughtful comments. I appreciate it greatly and looking forward to grow and learn alongside you as well!
Best regards,
Khad
Dear Khad,
ReplyDeleteThank you for this well developed and insightful letter. You address the main points of the brief well.
I like learning, for example, about the idea that here at SIT you are building on your poly learning and the study of architecture while "combining my design background and new engineering knowledge," and that you "hope to develop a versatile skillset, bringing creativity and technical insight to the table and industry." What a noble set of ideas! What noble aims!
I also appreciate your sharing on how you are mainly a visual learner, and while you acknowledge some weakness currently in digesting verbal info, you have the will to persevere and have set goals for enhancing your other means of communicating.
In that context, it's easy to appreciate the statement that "strength in visual communication allows me to translate ideas through sketches, models and storyboard," while you aim for more in terms of thinking and conveying ideas.
You're right too in noting that once you've have strengthened other skill sets, once you are truly "well-rounded," you'll have the ability to address "every task given." And indeed, it will be your "resilience and ability to adapt to new challenges" that will carry you through.
In your blog, as I reviewed the letter, I also revisited the name of your website: Where her heart thinks and her mind feels. I love that! And I think to myself that this title actually embodies as a sort of phenomological summary just what you have expressed in your letter: That a holistic approach to communication/thinking transcends typical definitions and boundaries and carries a person into a new realm of thought, to a sort of "beyond language" phase. You are most certainly on your way to that!
I look forward to hearing more from you this term.
Best wishes,
Brad
Dear Prof,
DeleteThank you for taking the time to read my letter and engage with my reflections. I truly appreciate your thoughtful response and encouragement. Your insights on holistic communication resonate deeply with me and they reinforce my motivation to continue developing a well-rounded skillset. It's reassuring to know that growth in a lifelong and continuous process. I am definitely looking forward to learning more under your guidance.
Best regards,
Khad