XXXX
Singapore (XXXX)
11th February 2010
Dr. Sherwin S. Desser
Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
University of Toronto
25 Harbord St.
Toronto , ON
Canada , M5S 3G5
Dear Dr. Desser,
I am a fresh candidate from the National University of Singapore with a keen interest in pursuing a Masters Programme in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Toronto. I believe that my research experience and aspirations are in line with your focus in biodiversity and systematics. Hence I would be much obliged if you would consider accepting me as a graduate student at your laboratory.
My undergraduate years pursuing Bachelor of Sciences in NUS were not just spent in the classroom. Due to my avid interest and passion for environmental studies, I was part of a myriad of projects that revolved around systematics, insect morphology and behavior. I feel that my experience in both morphological and molecular techniques will enable me to successfully carry out a more thorough research project in biodiversity.
Throughout my academic career, I have actively participated in various community involvement projects that have enabled me to hone both my leadership and interpersonal skills. Having led a team on a community service project to India, I feel I have the capacity to be calm under pressure while tackling problems. It also gave me much insight into working well with others. This, I feel, can be a great asset to your laboratory and the collaborative projects you and your lab members are working on.
Any opportunity to discuss with you possible avenues for candidature at your research laboratory would be much appreciated. A resume of my extensive research experience had been attached with this letter for your perusal. Do feel free to contact the referees mentioned. Should you require my academic transcripts, I would be happy to send them to you as well. I can be contacted at Jayanthi@nus.edu.sg or +65 91896394. Thank you very much for your time and attention.
Yours faithfully,
Jayanthi Puniamoorthy
Feb 11, 2010
Jan 31, 2010
Post #2 (Wk 3): Resolving Interpersonal Conflict
When thinking about an interpersonal conflict to describe for this post, the first one that popped in my mind occurred a couple of years ago. It involved my sister and myself and, on hindsight, was probably the most frivolous argument we have ever had. The core of the disagreement was about what I was to wear for her best friend’s wedding reception. Believe me, I am well aware of how ridiculous this sounds.
Since she was close friend of the newlyweds, my sister felt that I should attend the reception in a sari (a traditional Indian outfit). However, as I had to attend another function prior to the event, I felt that wearing the Western clothes I was already in would be more practical. Unfortunately, what should have been a normal discussion quickly escalated into a shouting match leaving my sister exasperated and me, as usual, clueless.
The issue did not seem big to me. On the hand, my sister took it to heart and did not speak to me for a while (at least until I turned up at the venue wearing a sari). It was a period when she was rather busy with work and planning the wedding, leaving her quite stressed. I was simply confused and frustrated that she refused to see it from my point of view. So the questions to consider would be: How could we have handled the situation such that it wouldn’t have ended in a serious disagreement? What was I failing to see/understand?
Since she was close friend of the newlyweds, my sister felt that I should attend the reception in a sari (a traditional Indian outfit). However, as I had to attend another function prior to the event, I felt that wearing the Western clothes I was already in would be more practical. Unfortunately, what should have been a normal discussion quickly escalated into a shouting match leaving my sister exasperated and me, as usual, clueless.
The issue did not seem big to me. On the hand, my sister took it to heart and did not speak to me for a while (at least until I turned up at the venue wearing a sari). It was a period when she was rather busy with work and planning the wedding, leaving her quite stressed. I was simply confused and frustrated that she refused to see it from my point of view. So the questions to consider would be: How could we have handled the situation such that it wouldn’t have ended in a serious disagreement? What was I failing to see/understand?
Jan 24, 2010
Post #1 (Wk 2): Why effective communication skills are important for me
On the research projects I am part of now, I am working with a myriad of collaborators from various cultural and educational backgrounds. Liaising with them can be a challenge due to this. It is now that I have realized how much I have taken communication skills for granted – as something inherent. Effective communication is essential to ensure that the research takes a direction that is satisfactory to all persons involved and fulfills what we set out to do.
Much of the communication with said collaborators is done through correspondence and written reports. And this just so happens to be my weakness. Therefore, the written aspect of this module will be very useful. In both personal and professional aspects of life, it is important to consider the written word very carefully. Without non-verbal cues that accompany face-to-face or spoken communication, I feel there is a high chance that communication through writing can be interpreted / perceived wrongly. ES2007S gives us an opportunity to examine this form of communication and how to best utilize it.
Getting to know and understand people better is, however, the greater pull that this module has for me. I have always found interacting with people and learning about their lifestyles very interesting. There is much to learn and develop by building friendships and communication is fundamental to this. My hope is that the skills acquired through this module will help me communicate my thoughts to my peers beyond just academia.
Much of the communication with said collaborators is done through correspondence and written reports. And this just so happens to be my weakness. Therefore, the written aspect of this module will be very useful. In both personal and professional aspects of life, it is important to consider the written word very carefully. Without non-verbal cues that accompany face-to-face or spoken communication, I feel there is a high chance that communication through writing can be interpreted / perceived wrongly. ES2007S gives us an opportunity to examine this form of communication and how to best utilize it.
Getting to know and understand people better is, however, the greater pull that this module has for me. I have always found interacting with people and learning about their lifestyles very interesting. There is much to learn and develop by building friendships and communication is fundamental to this. My hope is that the skills acquired through this module will help me communicate my thoughts to my peers beyond just academia.
Jan 20, 2010
Welcome Earthlings!
Just testing to see if all is in working order. I guess I'll see you all in class tomorrow!
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