Personal Reflection !!!!

At the beginning of this module, I set two primary goals: to overcome my stutter and improve my public speaking skills, and to build strong connections with my peers. Growing up, I struggled with stuttering and overusing filler words, often due to low self-esteem and a general lack of confidence in public speaking. This habit made it difficult for me to express my thoughts clearly, often leaving others confused about my message. Determined to address this, I actively worked on becoming more extroverted, engaging in conversations with my peers, and practicing concise, effective communication. Over time, these efforts paid off. I became more confident in speaking, minimized my use of filler words, and improved my ability to present ideas clearly. Today, I feel much more assured when speaking in public and am proud of the progress I’ve made toward being an effective communicator.

My second goal was to develop meaningful connections with my classmates. By stepping out of my comfort zone and initiating conversations, I was able to engage in valuable interactions and form genuine friendships. These efforts not only made the learning experience more enjoyable but also provided a supportive environment that enriched my time in this module. I now share strong bonds with many of my peers, and I am optimistic these friendships will continue to grow and last beyond this module.

The main technical report project also offered valuable lessons. One of the most important was improving my public speaking. Through this project, I discovered that I am naturally confident when presenting to an audience, with little fear of speaking in front of large groups. However, I also recognized a tendency to speak too quickly, which sometimes resulted in unclear points. This is an area I am continuing to work on, and I am confident that I will overcome this challenge with practice and focus.

Another crucial skill I developed during this module was effective time management. Coming fresh out of National Service, I initially found it difficult to adjust to the fast-paced demands of university life. The tight deadlines, frequent quizzes, and workload were overwhelming, and I struggled to find balance. However, I soon realized that good planning and organization were key to managing both academics and personal time. By planning my week in advance and sticking to my schedule, I was able to manage my responsibilities more effectively. This approach not only reduced my stress but also allowed me to maintain a social life and achieve decent academic results. Learning to manage my time efficiently has been one of the most valuable takeaways from this experience.

Overall, this module has been a transformative journey. It has allowed me to achieve my goals of improving my public speaking skills and building meaningful relationships. In addition, I gained important skills like effective teamwork, report writing, and time management. I am incredibly grateful for the friendships I’ve made and the lessons I’ve learned throughout this experience.

Lastly, I would like to thank Prof. Brad Blackstone for his passionate and inspiring teaching. His dedication and enthusiasm have motivated me to push beyond my limits and develop these essential skills. Prof. Blackstone’s energy and belief in his students create an encouraging learning environment that inspires growth and success. Thank you, Prof. Blackstone, for making this module such a meaningful and rewarding experience!