Category: Personal Goals

Introduction

Personal goals serve as the compass that guides individuals through the journey of life, providing direction, purpose, and motivation. These objectives, whether they pertain to professional achievements, personal development, or relational milestones, are essential for fostering growth and fulfillment. Setting personal goals encourages individuals to envision their desired future and to strategize actionable steps towards realizing these aspirations. It is a process that not only demands self-reflection and honesty but also resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. Personal goals vary widely among individuals, reflecting the diversity of human ambitions and values. They can range from acquiring new skills, achieving career advancement, maintaining health and wellness, to nurturing meaningful relationships. Notably, personal goals imbue daily actions with significance, transforming routine tasks into steps towards a larger purpose. They also serve as a metric for progress, offering opportunities for self-assessment and recalibration. In essence, personal goals are foundational to personal and professional development, acting as the driving force that propels individuals forward, shapes their decisions, and molds their future.

100 Words Essay about personal goals

Personal goals are the milestones we set for ourselves to achieve a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment in life. They act as beacons of light, guiding our paths and providing direction amidst the chaos of daily existence. Whether it’s pursuing higher education, advancing in a career, improving health, or cultivating deeper relationships, personal goals drive us to push beyond our limits, embrace growth, and realize our potential. They require commitment, discipline, and resilience, challenging us to evolve and adapt. Ultimately, personal goals enrich our journey, adding layers of meaning and purpose, and shaping our identity and legacy.

250 Words Essay about personal goals

Personal goals are the essence of what drives individuals towards growth and self-improvement. They are deeply personal ambitions that reflect one’s values, aspirations, and desires for the future. Setting personal goals is a powerful process that involves introspection and a clear understanding of what one wants to achieve in various life domains, such as career, education, health, and relationships. These goals serve as a roadmap, guiding individuals through the complexities of life and motivating them to overcome obstacles and challenges.

Achieving personal goals requires a strategic approach, including planning, setting realistic timelines, and identifying the resources and support systems needed. It also demands resilience, as the path to achieving goals is often fraught with setbacks and failures. However, these challenges are integral to the process, offering valuable lessons and opportunities for growth.

Personal goals are not static; they evolve as individuals grow and their circumstances change. Regular reflection and reassessment allow for the adaptation of goals to ensure they remain aligned with one’s evolving aspirations and life situation. The satisfaction and sense of accomplishment derived from achieving personal goals are profoundly rewarding, boosting self-confidence and fostering a sense of purpose.

In essence, personal goals are vital for personal development and fulfillment. They propel individuals forward, inspire action, and contribute to a richer, more meaningful life. By pursuing personal goals, individuals not only enhance their own lives but also positively impact those around them, creating a ripple effect of growth and positivity.

400 Words Essay about personal goals

Personal goals are the individual objectives we set for ourselves to achieve a higher state of fulfillment, success, and well-being. These goals act as the driving force behind personal growth, pushing individuals to step out of their comfort zones and pursue their aspirations with vigor and determination. Personal goals can span a wide range of areas, including career advancement, educational attainment, health and fitness, personal relationships, and self-discovery. Each goal, no matter how big or small, plays a crucial role in shaping one’s journey and contributing to a sense of purpose and direction in life.

The process of setting personal goals begins with self-reflection, requiring individuals to assess their values, strengths, weaknesses, and the areas of their lives they wish to improve or change. This introspective exercise is fundamental to setting meaningful and achievable goals that resonate with one’s personal vision for the future. Once established, these goals necessitate a commitment to action, discipline, and perseverance, as the path to realization is often laden with challenges and unforeseen obstacles.

Achieving personal goals is not solely about the outcome but also about the journey and the personal transformation that occurs along the way. Through the pursuit of their goals, individuals learn valuable life lessons, develop resilience, and acquire new skills and knowledge. These experiences enrich their character, making them more adaptable and resourceful in the face of future challenges.

Moreover, personal goals have a profound impact on one’s mental and emotional well-being. They provide motivation and a sense of achievement that boosts self-esteem and confidence. The satisfaction derived from accomplishing a goal is immensely rewarding, reinforcing positive behaviors and encouraging individuals to set new, more ambitious goals.

However, it is essential to approach goal setting with flexibility, as rigid adherence to specific outcomes can lead to frustration and disappointment. Life is unpredictable, and circumstances can change, necessitating adjustments to one’s goals and plans. Embracing flexibility allows individuals to adapt their goals to align with their evolving needs and aspirations, ensuring that their objectives remain relevant and attainable.

In conclusion, personal goals are integral to personal development and fulfillment. They guide individuals in their pursuit of growth, success, and happiness, providing a framework for action and decision-making. Through the process of setting, pursuing, and achieving personal goals, individuals not only realize their potential but also contribute to their overall quality of life. As such, personal goals are not just milestones to be reached but stepping stones to a richer, more meaningful existence.

500 Words Essay about personal goals

Personal goals are the milestones we set for ourselves to navigate through life’s journey with purpose and direction. These goals, deeply rooted in our aspirations and values, serve as a personal compass, guiding our decisions and actions towards achieving a fulfilling and meaningful life. Spanning various dimensions of life, including career, education, personal health, relationships, and personal growth, these objectives reflect the multifaceted nature of human aspirations and the desire for a balanced, well-rounded existence.

The art of setting personal goals involves a profound process of self-reflection and introspection, where individuals assess their current state, identify areas for improvement, and envision their ideal future. This process not only requires honesty and self-awareness but also the courage to confront one’s limitations and the determination to transcend them. Setting personal goals is a dynamic and ongoing process, as goals may evolve with time, reflecting changes in one’s priorities, circumstances, and insights gained through life experiences.

Achieving personal goals demands more than mere aspiration; it requires a concrete plan of action, discipline, and perseverance. It involves breaking down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks, setting realistic timelines, and continuously monitoring progress. The journey towards achieving personal goals is often fraught with challenges and setbacks. However, these obstacles are not insurmountable barriers but opportunities for growth, learning, and resilience-building. They teach valuable lessons about patience, persistence, and the importance of adaptability in the face of change.

Moreover, personal goals play a crucial role in enhancing one’s sense of self-efficacy and self-esteem. The act of setting goals and working towards them instills a sense of purpose and motivation, driving individuals to push their boundaries and realize their potential. The satisfaction and sense of accomplishment derived from achieving these goals are immensely rewarding, fostering a positive self-image and reinforcing the belief in one’s capabilities.

Personal goals also have a significant impact on one’s mental and emotional well-being. They provide a sense of direction and meaning in life, counteracting feelings of aimlessness and despair. By focusing on personal aspirations and working towards meaningful objectives, individuals can cultivate a positive outlook on life, enhance their happiness, and improve their overall quality of life.

However, the pursuit of personal goals is not a solitary endeavor. It often involves seeking support and guidance from others, whether through mentorship, collaboration, or shared experiences. Building a supportive network can provide encouragement, advice, and accountability, making the journey towards personal goals less daunting and more enjoyable.

In conclusion, personal goals are essential for personal development and fulfillment. They provide a framework for living intentionally, making conscious choices that align with one’s values and aspirations. The process of setting and achieving personal goals is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and capacity for growth. It is a journey marked by challenges, learning, and transformation, leading to a richer, more rewarding life. As such, personal goals are not merely endpoints but stepping stones in the continuous process of becoming the best version of oneself.

Introduction

In a world characterized by continuous change due to disruptive forces, organizations are moving rapidly and as such, their people need to be agile and adapt as well. The importance of management comes into play as individuals must reflect upon their strengths and weaknesses to set long-term goals to continue to develop professionally and attain desirable skills. This report will comprise two main sections:

1. A critical evaluation of the effectiveness of my SMART goals focused upon motivation and trust, utilizing qualitative and quantitative evidence obtained from the course assessments and/or experiences drawn upon other activities; and
2. A plan to further my professional development beyond MGMT1001 through the establishment of improved SMART goals.

This analysis will be utilized in order to identify key characteristics to facilitate growth throughout my time at the university and within the professional workforce.

1. Self-reflection

My preceding Professional Development Portfolio Checkpoint focused upon motivation as my key strength with the goal of driving motivation across the whole team to yield better team discussions and results. In accordance with, ‘McClelland’s acquired needs theory’ (Kinicki et al. 2018, pg. 405), motivation is driven by three needs “achievement, affiliation, and power”. This was chosen as my strength, indicated through the self-assessment exercise (see Appendix A) and initial peer review where I scored a 4.8/5 for Motivation and Conflict management (see Appendix B).

However, upon reflection on my motivational drivers, it was clear that my initial focus on the excellence of results as opposed to motivation which progress can bring, as outlined in the ‘progress principle’, may have been detrimental to our team’s progress (Teresa Amabile 2011). This was evidenced through the initial setup of our team agreement where the scribe, I dominated the group conversation which enabled groupthink to occur which is the “idea that a group is unwilling to consider alternatives, as they are uncomfortable with challenging another’s views” (Kinicki et al 2018, pg. 452) when establishing our goals. This was further exemplified in the granulation where as CEO, I often made decisions that I believed would generate the best results without consulting the team. Through qualitative feedback where a team member indicated I should discuss with others prior to making choices (see Appendix C) and particularly through “Cool in Crisis”, where my decision saw a decrease in metrics collectively by 24% (see Appendix D), I was able to identify the importance of communicating and setting clear goals collectively.

Revisiting ‘McClelland’s acquired needs theory’ (Kinicki et al. 2018, pg. 405), ‘team success’ is said to be accomplished by identifying and creating environments suitable for individual needs. As outlined in my SMART goal, we evaluated our team agreement to re-establish our team goals, this time with a larger focus on the team’s progress rather than a specific score. Where conflict arose through this process, I was quick to consider everyone’s absolves the issue at hand to establish an effective goal. Through ‘positive reinforcement’ of the new goals (see Appendix E) and encouraging everyone to share their opinions to eliminate ‘groupthink’, our collective goal and the new environment enabled us to achieve better results where our satisfaction ratings increased by an average of 37% (see Appendix F) and our placing in the class moved from second-last to first. In encouraging the use of the dialectic method (Kinicki et al. 2018, pg. 493) to replicate ‘job rotation’ (Kinicki et al. 2018, pg. 448), ‘groupthink’ was further reduced. Taking the time to reflect upon our results through the debrief exercise during the tutorial, our team was able to discuss if and how we achieved the team goals we established our motivations throughout the process and conflict management.

Although my original SMART goal was achieved through the measurement criteria I indicated, an increase in the average mark in Motivation and Conflict Management from 4.2 to 4.8 (see Appendix G), I realized that the set goal did not correlate with my original intentions and/or purpose in establishing my goal. Through personal feedback, it was brought to my attention that my goals needed to focus more on what I could change on an individual level (see Appendix H). As such rather than motivation itself, I believe the appropriate area to address in my improved SMART goals, where my strengths also lay, would be conflict management (see Appendix I). It is my belief that conflict management is often achieved by establishing common goals and/or motivation. This will be addressed and refined through my future development goals outlined in Section 2. That aside, a personal achievement was when my teammates remarked upon my improvement in discussing my decision with others (see Appendix J).

Separately, my ability to build and maintain trust with my team was another skill that I identified to be my development area within the Professional Development Portfolio Checkpoint. In reflecting upon incidences where I have had to work within a team, I recognized my lack of belief in ‘motivation through mutual accountability’ (Kinicki et al. 2018, pg. 447). This was further exemplified in the IPIP-NEO personality test, where I scored low in Openness to experience as well as trust (see Appendix K). My lack of trust, “defined as reciprocal faith in others’ intentions and behaviors” (Kinicki et al. 2018, pg. 446), within a team has mainly arisen due to previous negative experiences with group assignments, where individuals did not contribute leading to others having to shoulder more of the workload. Indeed, these negative perceptions have carried through to my professional conduct where I consider myself a micro-manager when setting tasks. This is primarily displayed through my diligent tracking of actionable emails I send to ensure they are completed rather than trusting an individual to complete the task. Upon reflection, this route has caused an unnecessary increase in stress and the time required to monitor emails. In the context of MGMT1001, perhaps my initial lack of discussion with regard to my decisions (discussed above), could also connect back to my negative perceptions where I questioned my team’s credibility as critical and reliable thinkers as we were relative ‘strangers’ to each other.

This conflict was reconciled through my SMART goal of creating a code of practice by refining the team agreement to instill a sense of responsibility, accountability, and trust among team members. Keeping in mind the ‘five stages of the group and team development’ where at most we were still within the storming phase (Kinicki et al 2018, pg. 444), I actively invested within the team relationship by conversing with my teammates in an out-of-class context. By developing a friendship with my teammates, our communication and collaboration improved significantly allowing my trust in them to develop. Through the leadership report (see Appendix L) generated at the end of the simulation exercise, I was assessed to be an authentic leader which is characterized by ‘high moral and ethical standard’, ‘self-awareness’, and ‘transparent’. These characteristics are in line with empathic behavior which is associated with higher levels of trust (Guinaliu 2010). As such, it is evidenced that I have made conscious efforts to increase my trust through my SMART goals although further improvements can definitely be explored particularly within a professional context to continue my self-development.

2. SMART goals

In light of my self-reflection, it is clear to see that refinement and implementation of SMART goals can assist in the development of my professional skills (Kinciki et al. 2018, pg. 175). Per Kinicki, ‘SMART Goals are ones which are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Results-oriented and have Target dates’ (Kinicki et al. 2018, pg. 208).

My primary avenues to continue to develop my skills will be through involvement in extra-curricular activities and future studies at university due to the high nature of teamwork involved. Thus, this will provide a diverse platform to continue to develop skills in conflict management and build trust to attain my professional development targets.

My first SMART goal will aim to continually seek the opinions of my peers and be open-minded and receptive to new ideas. Having scored low for openness on my IPIP-NEO personality test (see Appendix K), it will be imperative that I listen to other opinions. A particular scenario in which I could apply this SMART goal would be through my involvement in Case of Competitions at the University. Conflict can often arise through this process as we seek to solve a problem and create a strategy within a very limited timeframe, meaning teams are susceptible to disagreements. The knowledge obtained through implementing an action plan and having set SMART goals compels me to establish a common goal prior to beginning a competition so our motivations can be aligned. Reverting back to the ‘process principle’, it is important to remember that motivation and value derived from partaking in this competition should be derived more so from the process of forming a team and coming up with a solution rather than the results as an indication of development and growth (Teresa Amabile 2011). In being receptive to others’ ideas, I expect improved team motivation which naturally has a flow-on effect, leading to cohesion and success. I will measure this goal through a review system, where I will seek mentors and my teammates to rate my ability to manage conflicts and my overall communication throughout the week based on metrics. The success of this SMART goal will be determined by achieving an average score of 8/10 throughout the next 12 months with a milestone check-up every quarter. By measuring this, I will be able to identify areas of improvement for conflict management and motivation thus, continuing to develop within this space.

Over the long term, I will continue to develop consistency in my approach to teamwork. As most students will find, group work is a fundamental component of most courses. Particularly within my major, Information Systems itself, group projects compose of a large assessable element of each course to mimic real-world practices. In order to perform well, a significant amount of trust is placed in each team member. As mentioned, when tasks are delegated, I often become extremely inquisitive as to the stages of project development, routinely checking what team members are up to, the expected date of completion, and the quality of provided work. Often this could be detrimental to team dynamics as team members may feel a sense of belittlement, resulting in negative outcomes and de-motivation. I aim to develop trust within my team member’s capabilities by restricting my ‘questioning’ of the group’s progress to only as outlined within the set timeline/ timeframes established by the group at the beginning of the course. My success will thus be measured if I follow the team agreement, working to recognize the credibility of my members as critical and reliable. Heightened trust will likely increase group cohesion. Another actionable I would implement is actively conversing with my teammates during the ‘forming’ stage (Kinicki et al 2018, pg. 444) of our groups so greater connectivity and trust can be established early on. Due to the high volume of group tasks I expect to complete throughout my degree, I will self-reflect upon my goal after each course to determine if changes to my behavior are required.

Conclusion

Conclusively, in a world characterized by continuous change due to disruptive forces, individuals must continue to self-reflect and establish SMART goals in order to develop the necessary professional skills to remain competitive. In this report, I have highlighted significant improvements in my conflict management skills and trust through analysis of the Liberty Air granulation, tutorial exercises, and feedback received from my teammates. Through a critical evaluation, I have also identified further SMART goals which must be used beyond the MGMT1001 course to continue my personal growth and development. The knowledge obtained in undergoing this reflective exercise will be utilized throughout my time at university and as I seek to enter the professional workforce.

If I’ve got a ticket in my hand, I would go to Thailand. I would be there for about two weeks. I would go to Thailand because I want to help improve the treatment of elephants. I would go to Phuket Elephant Sanctuary in Thalang, Thailand. I would also want to go sightseeing like at the Ayutthaya Historical Park and Railay Bay for the peaceful scenery. Another thing I would also visit is the floating market to get a different type of shopping experience.

I would go to the Phuket International Airport and get it set up where I would have someone help translate and direct me during my time there. I would have gotten a hotel near the sanctuary before and settled in for the day. The day after I would try the food there and explore the area for interesting sightings. Then I would start my first day at the sanctuary and learn how I would be helping them. I would take lots of photos and make sure I would be making the most of my time there.

After I would volunteer for about a week, I would arrange a way to go see the Ayutthaya Historical Park. I want to visit the park because of the history that comes with being there for hundreds of years. I want to see the art and the architectural structure that they had back then. I also want to learn more about how the royal family lived in the past. I’d imagine they had very easy lives in their free time.

After coming back from the park, I would get dinner rest and explore the town for a few days, and my guild would help me not get lost. With my time running out, I would spend a day at Railay Bay, go rock climbing, hike a little, and if I still had time, I would take a dive in the bay. I would take lots of pictures and just rest in the sand, enjoying my time there. I would pack a meal so I wouldn’t get hungry.

On my second to last day, I would be shopping in the floating market with my guild to find things early in the morning for my family back at home and try new foods that the vendors sell. I would like to learn about the history of the market. I would travel to another floating market called Amphawa. That has more authentic food, mainly seafood like squid and shellfish.

On my last day there, I would be packing for the long plane ride home, making sure I had everything I would need in my carry-on bag. I would be excited to see my sister and family, tell her and them about my trip. I would be sad to leave but also homesick. That is what I would do if I’ve got a ticket in my hand to anywhere.

Academic Strategies Final Project

Abstract

This paper includes all the requirements to complete the final project of the Academic Strategies course. Enclosed here is a detailed description of two long-term goals and three short-term goals for each. In conjunction with these goals there are several obstacles that could get in my way of achieving my goals, and plans and strategies on how to get past these obstacles. There is also a schedule of my weekly activities and how I will be working on prioritizing them to be successful in school. With stress and becoming discouraged being a big issue with success the next portion outline some choke points that I need to overcome with planning as well. Finally, my mission statement is followed by a two-page essay detailing how my mission statement will help to achieve my goals and have success in school.

Goal Essay

Setting goals is an essential part of success in most facets of life. For those currently in school and those working to achieve more from their careers, goals are also a way to see how far you have progressed. In this assignment, there are several goals very important to me, and upon completion would improve my life exponentially. In this report, I will outline 2 long-term goals and several short-term goals as plans to achieve them.

My first long-term goal is an obvious one, I want to obtain my Bachelor’s degree before the end of 2021. Though incredibly stereotypical, and I’m sure the goal for 99% of the students in this course, I am no different from them. In my unique situation, I am currently the head of IT for a credit union. I was given this position through hard work and networking. I fear that with changes to upper management coming soon I could be removed from my position due to a lack of qualifications. A bachelor’s degree would create a safety net to ensure I can keep my job and even one day progress to the executive team. A bachelor’s degree will not only create a safety net but also increase my earning potential as well.

My plan to achieve my goal of graduation by 2021 is by following these three simple short-term goals. First, I will contact my instructors each Friday before the end of the day to receive feedback on the previous week. This will allow me to make constant changes to my study methods and assignment quality. In order to achieve this, I will set an alert for each Friday at 4 PM that reminds me to reach out to each instructor through the canvas. Second, at the beginning of each course, I will create checklists for all requirements and reading materials. Checklists are a way that I love to use to keep track of things in my daily life. They allow me to have a visual representation of the progress I make each day. My plan to complete this one day I will go through the modules, project requirements, and rubrics to find the key points. I will then make a list to begin checking things off immediately. Third, I will keep the pace of completing 4 courses each term. Having a goal of consistent progress is easier to manage and understand than just moving forward blindly. I always what to have a sense of urgency when completing courses. My plan to do this is to work constantly on the first two goals. I will also be making a calendar to visually see my progress and check courses off one at a time.

The largest obstacle that could prevent me from achieving this goal setting is time. I currently have a full-time job that has me working late frequently, and we just welcomed our third child to the family last month. A constant fear that I have is not balancing my time between work, school, and life. The only way I can achieve this balance without losing my mind is with my wonderful wife. After talking it over she decided that she would take on more responsibility to watch the girls each night while I study for a few hours. I will also wake up earlier and study before the kids are up for two extra hours.

My second long-term goal is a prideful one, but one that is reachable. I want to earn a six-figure income within a year of graduation. I have always wanted to have a stable income for my family. Six figures definitely exceed my desire, and I love to push myself and receive appropriate compensation for the hard work I do.

Making six figures is a feat that will push my limits. In my research pushing your limits isn’t a horrible thing. Referencing a work by Locke and Latham, Alesch and Niblack-Rickard (2018) “concluded that the more difficult the goal, the higher the performance. In comparison, they found that “do your best” goals or goals that were too easily attained, lowered performance.” (p.5). In order to achieve it, I have outlined three more short-term goals. First, I will have meaningful weekly contact with a member of the executive team. Doing this will demonstrate my desire to interact with upper management and strengthen my relationship with them. My plan is to meet with them and give updates on projects that are pertinent to their departments. Showing that I not only work hard but give updates on my work will show that I can handle more responsibility. Second, on a monthly basis, I will set aside time to reflect on my experience and add new skills and promotions to my resume. By updating my resume, I will be able to compare it to others with similar experiences and gauge when my earning potential lies. Each month I will make sure to make time to learn a new program or study new principles so I can have an arsenal of qualifications to choose from. Third, I will set aside fifteen minutes each day to study for needed certifications in my field. In technology, there are hundreds of certifications, and depending on which ones you can receive will make you more desirable to employers and also to receive promotions in your current job. I plan on working towards my A+, Project+, and security+. With these basic certifications out of the way, I can then refine my skills to move into a skill set that fits me.

There really aren’t very many obstacles that can stop me from achieving this goal as long as I’m progressing. The biggest enemy that thwarted me before is complacency. I always get into slumps where I forget about progression because I am comfortable. The way to break out of it is to realize the added stability that increased income brings. There are several things that we want in life and having those in a place where we can remind ourselves of our dedication will help push us to success.

Study Plan

During weekdays my schedule is traditionally the same every day. I wake up at 5:30 am and get ready for the day by showering, eating, and getting dressed. I get out the door by 6:15 to make it to the office by 6:30 so I can get full 2 hours of studying before I start work at 8:30. I work from 8:30 to 5:00 pm and I arrive home by 5:30. From 5:30 to 7:00 I eat dinner and spend time with the kids before their bedtime. I help my wife put the kids to bed and I’m straight to studying again till 10 pm. My schedule is very tight without much room for edits.

On the weekends I have set a goal to study for 5 hours on Saturday morning from 7:00 am till 12:00 pm. I then reserve the rest of this day for family time. On Sunday it is my day of rest so I attend church and spend more time with my family. I feel that rest from work and school is important so I can hit the books hard on Monday morning.

I don’t mean to discount the purpose of the assignment, but I feel that my schedule is pretty well organized, and prepared to take on this degree. I feel that 40 hours of work and 30 hours of school are adequate to obtain my goals.

Self-Care Plan

Upon completing the assessments in the reading material, I was able to Identify several stressors in my life that could impede or distract me from achieving my goals The four that definitely affect me the most are overeating, not taking breaks from technology, and anger outbursts, and physical activity.

With overeating, I feel like eating things that are good gives me a release of stress but it’s always short-lived. Depending on what I eat I feel sick and just want to be lazy. This only adds to the stress and makes me feel worse about my situation. To cope with this issue, I started using an app to manage how much I eat and to ensure I have a balanced diet. I feel that eating good wholesome foods will not only make me less sick but boost my mental capacity as well.

I find myself on any given day checking my email, LinkedIn, Facebook, and a hundred other things constantly. I find that not taking a break from technology really hits my mind hard because I fill my head with meaningless information. There are times that I’ve even forgotten to do important things because I can’t let go of an article or email. This could hurt my schoolwork if I get caught up in it too much. My solution is to put away my phone when I get home and only check it when I get calls, or I have a moment to relax. Distancing myself from tech will open my mind and help me focus on more important things.

I’m not normally an angry person, but when I get overwhelmed, I turn into a kind of drill sergeant and try to solve problems by shouting and moving constantly. I don’t like myself in that state because it always creates more stress for me and others around me. I feel that with the goals that I set for my degree I can better stay on top of assignments and feel less overwhelmed. By having my next task right in front of me I can know I’m on track.

Lastly, I don’t believe there is a soul out there more out of shape than I am. Ever since I got a desk job, I’ve only gotten more and more complacent. In the past 5 years, I went from running half marathons to getting winded climbing the stairs. Having a healthy body not only will make my life more exciting but also my schoolwork will be better quality. I understand that it’s not an overnight process, but I bet if I can work a light jog into my lunch hour each day, I will see a difference. Therefore, my solution is to exercise during lunch each day and do something active with my family on Saturdays.

Personal Mission Statement Essay

Mission Statement: “I love tech and I love to learn. It’s always exciting to accept a challenge.”

The greatest fear I have is that I won’t be able to provide a great life for my family. Fortunately, there is a more than obvious solution to my fear; Constant learning. If someone is constantly learning and progressing, they will always be relevant in society and be valued. My goals and self-care plans are a solid foundation on that I can build my success. There is comfort in having a plan to guide you to achieving your ideal life. I will outline specifically how my goals and plans if followed, will give me this outcome.

My love for learning and tech specifically allows me to be in a lucrative career. Those with a bachelor’s degree can make it big with even mid-level knowledge. For those who are willing to challenge themselves, there is a future more than bright because they get to pave the future for the world. According to Caldwell (2007), “11 IT categories – IT Managers; Computer Scientists, Research; Programmers; Software Engineers Systems; Computer Support Specialists; System Analysts; Database Administrators; and Other Specialists. In addition, the Network Administrators category showed a narrow upward trend.” (p. 1). The information learned in a bachelor’s program is essential because it lets the job market know that you have fought through and now have the endurance and skills to benefit their companies. By keeping my stresses and insecurities at bay with a quality self-care plan I can free up my mind to receive more information and apply it to my life. Nobody can escape stress; people can only live with it and understand that it doesn’t have to rule their lives. Just like any other skill, you can gain knowledge and resilience against stress and it all starts by setting goals to appease your mind.

The goals I have set to improve my life and the goals I’ve set to make my long-term goals possible offer a sense of relief. A good goal is one that can be achieved through manageable steps. My goal to graduate college is daunting and depressing when you look at the number of classes and terms it will take to finish. Just like a person who stands at the base of a mountain and wonders how they will make it to the top. When you break up a goal into bite-sized chunks it becomes not only possible but also satisfying. Sure, achieving a big goal is one of the best feelings you can have, but why not allow yourself to have a small sense of accomplishment with each phase of the goal. By keeping in contact with my instructors and making visual aids I can see what distance I’ve gone and how far I need to go.

My plan to achieve my goals and plans using my mission statement is simple. Use my love of learning, and desire to challenge myself to see each assignment as a satisfying progression on my overall journey. Love is a strong word, but how else do you describe the feeling of having a new skill through hard work. How many people have started on journeys just to give up halfway through? I know I have. I could be leaps ahead of where I am now if I had these desires sooner. I feel no remorse for the wasted time because my resolve through heartache is now stronger than ever.

This semester all of my classmates had to find one Malaysian organization. These tasks had to be done as a group. My group chooses “AirAsia” as our topic. The task given was difficult at first due to a lack of information. However, my team members and I success to complete the task given on time. Our discussion was through WhatsApp since we cannot meet up physically due to Online Distance Learning (ODL). Besides that, one of my group members used Telegram after he combined our individual video recordings.

We divided our part voluntarily and I choose an introduction part. Even though everyone may though that the introduction part is the easiest one, but not for me. The introduction part was not easy part because I have to find the most suitable one to put in our introduction because it will be the first content that my lecturer read. I want to make that introduction sound fun but interesting to make so that my lecturer did not feel bored while reading our report.

To make my introduction more interesting, I stated a successful story about our topic. In my opinion, stating people’s success will make others inspired to become more successful. I also listed that AirAsia hub so that it will look more amazing how can they became so successful though they started with a few workers.

My second contribution to the assignment is preparing the slide presentation by using PowerPoint. In my opinion, slide presentation is important, so we can know what should we present in our video recording. Slide presentation also can help us to understand more about our topic because, in our slide, I put our main point only. So that we can elaborate and understand more without depending on our report too much. A slide presentation is shorter but important information is given.

Since our topic is related to aviation, so my groupmates and I decided to use the aviation theme as our background. To be honest, finding an aviation theme is a little bit difficult because most of them are not free. It make me search more and more and took time to complete my slide. As a result, other members can not proceed with their video recording as soon as possible because they are waiting for the slide. Next, I also decorate our slide presentation by inserting a few pictures related to our topic. In my opinion, it will make our slide presentation look more interesting with the picture that I chose.

To make great and successful tasks, there are a few criteria that we should consider. Firstly, we should identify the moral value so that we can use them for the next assignment. Secondly, we also should understand and knows that was not easy to succeed. It will have a challenge that we have to face. Thirdly, we must know that every challenge has its own to overcome by taking an alternative cleverly. Lastly, used SWOT analysis to make sure that we know ourselves better and can improve our life. I found out that it is not that easy for us to achieve achievement. To achieve my goals, I need to sacrifice certain things in my life.

Moral values are important in life. Moral values can be defined as the principles and standards which determined whether an action is right or wrong. Moral values are good and positive attributes and attitudes.

In this assignment, I have learned that to achieve each achievements whenever give up. We cannot expect that we are success all the time because everything has their ups and downs. Some people will lose hope and feel down whenever they fail. Do not stop dreaming even though we are failed because through dreaming we will feel more spirited. Failing does not mean that we are failure but failing means that we still does not yet succeeded. Nothing in life can keep us down except our own thinking. Actually, fail in life can bring benefit because we can improved our self. We can know more and more about our self because we never repeating the same mistake.

Put a lot of effort also should be cultivated so that we can motivate more. The effort is important because it is motivated people to become more successful. Making high efforts. For example, if we wanted something, we should put a lot of effort even though everyone said it was impossible. Higher effort will shows and bring is to the bright future.

We also must know that we can not do and get everything like we wanted. We should know our limits even people said that we can have anything whatever we wanted. Knowing our limits can avoided us to feel disappointed. When we know our limits, there in no need for us to put any extra effort because we already know that we will never having it. Do not push ourselves to get something that so impossible. We should be our self and do not following others because everyone have their owns limits. It also can be that we can have something that others does not have but it also can be that we can not have what they already had.

Planning also should be essential to the success of any situation. Planning can help us to identify our goals. It is one of the effective ways to attain what we want. Planning could avoided us loose track and follow the right way to complete our tasks. When we take time to plan our life, we are taking the step necessary to not only identify and reach our desired goal but also to do so in the most efficient manner. Besides, we will be more detail exactly what we really want in our life. It will enable us to clearly state my goals without any ambiguity because planning help us what should and should not do. We also will feel more passionate if we know that our plan is working one by one as our plan.

Last but not least, cooperating with each other in order to satisfy to accomplish a common objective or goal. Cooperation is important because it allows people to work together in order to achieve one goal. Cooperating is not always an easy thing to achieve due to different opinions from others but it is worth it because it increased productivity. When everyone is working together, things can get done more quickly and efficiently. They will give encouragement and support to one another.

Next, it is also important to make my goals clear. SMART goals are established using a specific set of criteria that ensures my goals are attainable. To make sure my goals are clear, I used SMART so that can use to guide my goals. SMART is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely. Using the SMART goal framework set boundaries and defines the step that I should take.

For First of all my goal should be specific and clear. Without the specifics, my goals could run the risk of being too vague to achieve. example, I wanted to loose weight so that I can get my ideal weight. The specific goal is important so that I can know what should I do to achieve my goals. The more specific of my goal. The more I will understand the step necessary to achieve it.

Secondly, my goal also should be measurable. Measurable goals means that identify thoroughly what it is I will see, hear and feel when reach my goal. It means I need concrete evidence about my goal. For example. I am going to exercise every week, eat more healthy meals by following the food pyramid, and practice “Intermittent Fasting”. It is important to have measurable goals because it can enable me to evaluate whether or not the goal was achieved.

Thirdly, my goal must be achievable. It should stretch my abilities but still remain possible. When I set an achievable goal, I can overlook opportunities or resources that can bring me closer to it. This also can help me avoid missing deadlines. For example, I can looked forward others who are already success using the method that I mentioned above to motivate me be like them. But, before I begin working forward on my goal, I must decide whether it is something that I can achieve now or if they are still a few steps to achieve it.

Fourthly, my goal must be relevant. Relevant goals are important and will make an impact on achieving my goals. Make sure and be considered my goals whether or not they are relevant. I should ask myself why my goal is important to me. For example, I should figure out the effect if I achieve my goal like it will give me a good life in the long term or vice versa.

Lastly is timely. It should have time-bound in that it has a start and finish date. It is important to help me provide motivation and help me prioritize. If I already set a deadline for my goal, I will make sure that I will complete it as soon as possible. For example, if my goals is wanted to get ideal weight, I should challenges myself about 6 months to achieve my goal. If I have not achieved my goal in that time, I should figure out the reason for that.

In this assignment, there are also a few barriers that I have to face in completing the task given. Barriers could make us fail to do something or achieve our goals. It will give us difficulty but it is actually good in our life so that we can have enough preparation.

The first barrier that I have to face in during completing this assignment is searching for my groups. I did not have group members at first. It took me about 2 days to find my group members. Luckily, there are a few group that are still did not have enough group member.

The second barrier in this assignment this gender differences. Since all off my groupmates are boys, I am afraid that my opinion are differently difference with them. It was my first time cooperating with them.

Thirdly it took me too much time using Google Classroom application because that was my first time used it. Since all the tasks that Madam Nur Suria gives through Google Classroom, I got the tasks late.

Another barrier in this assignment is the lack of information. I cannot find more content about our topic. I did not confident to choose that point due to different information from other resources. Every resources that I go through stated a different date about when did that “AirAsia” build.

Lastly, the barrier that I have to face during completing this assignment is the environment. Sometimes, I feel disturbed because my neighbor will listen to the radio at a high volume. I cannot be focused while completing the assignment. Other than that, when I want to record my individual recording, I had to record it at night because they are a lot of nuisance daytime. In addition, my house also near the road so that they are a lot of car and motorcycle.

The solutions may be presented in various ways and we have to think about which way would be the most effective way. Every problems have a solutions as long as we did not give up.. We should think of our own solutions to overcome the barrier.

First of all, the solution that I can find is keep motivate ourselves with a positive vibes. For example, due to my first barrier, I keep in my mind ‘don’t mind who ever my groupmate, as long as they accepted me in their group”. I WhatsApp-ed one of my friend who are asked for one more person in his group. As a result, a few minutes after I asked, I got notification that I invited in their group WhatsApp. It was fun cooperate with them even though that I the only one girl. It was my first time grouping with them but thankfully everything are smooth. Luckily, all of them understand my situations.

Secondly, I am trying to understand more about how did my groupmates doing their task. Differences in gender should not be an issue as long as we understand each other. We must accept others’ opinions if their opinions are logical and good points. If we think that theirs opinion are not relevant or suitable enough, we can told them nicely.

Thirdly, ask for help from your friend. Since I did not know a lot about Google Classroom, I asked my friend about the task. I glad that I have friend like them because they are willing to help me. I asked them to send the “New Assessment and Weekly Lesson Plans” via WhatsApp. Basically, in my opinion, using WhatsApp is easier than Google Classroom because I need to learn more about how to use the application.

Fourthly, since I cannot find a lot of information on other websites, I take another alternative to find information through YouTube. I had to find more and more information. I felt more confident to find information at YouTube because the information given was by the owner. As a result, I chose the date when they started.

Lastly, due to nuisance during daytime, I manage myself to complete do my tasks at night. There is no one who can disturb me everyone is resting and sleeping at night. As a result, I can complete my tasks joyfully without stress.

I first heard about Girls State through my cousin who attended California Boys State, but I did not really learn about it until a good friend, who actually attended Texas Girls State last year, talked about the amazing experience she had in the 7 days she spent in Seguin. What intrigues me most is the opportunity to have a hands-on experience while learning how our state government operates. She talked about how this experience affects how she carries herself and communicates with others today. After hearing about her Girls State experience, I asked my cousin about his time at Boys State. He was so excited to tell me all about it and emphasized how before going to Boys State, he did not know what career he was going to pursue. Boys State made such an impact on him that he is currently pursuing a political science major and is actually roommates with someone he met at Boys State. An opportunity to attend Texas Girls State would help me learn how to speak up in my community as well as contribute my global perspective to hundreds of other like-minded girls in Texas and perhaps the nation.

Having both first generation immigrant parents from Vietnam, I have grown up in a family deeply interested in the United States government system. When my mom first came to the United States, US history was her favorite subject. She is still intrigued by our national and state democratic process. I remember my parents telling me about how they had study to pass the citizenship test and how ever since then, they have such a fascination for the government system as it is very different compared to the one in Vietnam. Last summer, my family and I visited Washington D.C. where our congressman, Kevin Brady, offered us a tour of the US Capitol. One of the highlights of the tour was getting to observe the House of Representatives in session led by Paul Ryan. This tour gave me an incredible insight into democracy which I believe will add value to the conference in June. Although I have been able to see where the government operates, I still yearn to learn more about the government under which I have lived under my entire life.

Even though both of my parents are well informed about the governmental process of Texas, I am not. Through this opportunity, I hope to learn what it takes for democracy to function. Today so many people have contrasting views, and our government officials often disagree about pressing issues. The society that I live in today is fortunate, but I want to understand what I can do to transform us into a more tolerant and respectful environment for my future children to live in. With a chance to meet such honorable young women from a state that holds high importance in elections and world politics, I would be proud to represent my community with knowledge about both local issues and a global perspective.

Since I will soon be of voting age, I am interested in acquiring a better understanding and deeper regard for the concepts of freedom and democracy. While I may want to pursue a degree in internal medicine, attending Girls State would be a great opportunity to improve my interpersonal communications, leadership roles, and even possibly transfer these skills into a successful career. As far as the program is concerned, I feel I will educate myself in the duties and privileges that I hold as an American citizen. I think this will also instill a great sense of citizenship as I explore my personal responsibilities.

While learning about how our government operates, I will meet other young women that are similar to myself yet different in so many ways. This 7-day platform would meet an earnest girl’s goal to evoke change in her community. Although as a student, I must take a government as a course in high school, there is nothing quite like learning about the process through hands on experiences. Opportunities like this do not come often. Simply, I have read Texas Girls State’s mission and vision, I have gleaned information about what it really means to be nominated, and I see a spot for me to add an element of enthusiasm to the discussions. Attending will allow me to become a part of a prestigious legacy furthering my knowledge of democracy. I hope to secure a spot for Texas Girls State as it would open my eyes to understand what it takes to be a leader.

1.0 Welcome page

Hello, my name is Ong Cheng Kei. I am currently still 17 since my birthday is in December. I am a Malaysian and stay in Kuala Lumpur and it is a very busy city. I am currently still a student continuing my tertiary studies at Asia Pacific University (APU). I enrolled in April for the Foundation course and currently enjoy studying there. No doubt that my favorite subject this semester is mathematics since I like mathematics a lot. The lecturers there are also quite nice and professional. Moreover, I have quite a lot of interests, one of them is fitness, this explains why I would spend time going to the gym on daily basis. I also have an interest in computing and technology, this is because since young I have been fascinated by the evolution of technology and computers and decided to be involved in this field in the future. My skills are willing to communicate and work with different people with different backgrounds, being able to adapt to changes in my life easier, and always being able to find motivation for myself. Last but not least, my talent is that I have quite neat handwriting and am able to convince people easily.

Next, my favorite motivational quote is “Proud but not satisfied”. This motivational quote always motivates me to achieve more in life. The meaning is simple and already said by the quote itself, it means don’t just settle for what you currently have in life and always strive for more and more. Every time, I feel like giving up I always remember this quote and yes it did motivate me through all the tough times.

2.0 Goal Setting

My short-term goal for this semester 1 is to achieve good results, which is at least CGPA 3.7 or above by the end of semester 1 in the foundation year. It’s sort of one of my top goals for this year. I think this achievement is very important to me because it will help me to secure my scholarship for my tertiary studies in the future for my degree. If I fail, it will be quite depressing and disappointing for me. This is because I will not manage to secure the scholarship and watching my parents must pay even more for my studies just feel like I am adding a burden to their life. The milestones I must accomplish to reach my goal is to always get high marks for my in-course assignments, and always get above 85% for any of my quiz in the class. To achieve my goal, there’re some habits and tasks to develop. One of the habits and tasks is that I must do daily revision which is at least 2 hours before I go to bed, basically just revising the things that I have learned today. Next, I also need to spend time reading 1 book per week to gain knowledge and help me improve myself even more. I also need to not procrastinate on the assignments and finish them 3 days before the deadline. I feel these habits and tasks are quite important in shaping me and guiding me closer to achieving my goal by the end of semester 1. Moreover, these habits and tasks are also associated with the milestone of this goal which is never procrastinating any revision and studies.

SMART review

• Specific: I need to achieve at least CGPA 3.7 or above.
• Measurable: I can track my progress by getting high marks on assignments and getting above 85% on the quiz
• Attainable: I can achieve this by doing 2 hours of daily revision, reading 1 book per day, and finishing my assignments 3 days before the deadline.
• Relevant: Getting a CGPA of 3.7 and above will help me secure my scholarships for my degree tuition fees
• Time: I will achieve at least CGPA 3.7 or above by the end of semester 1 in the foundation year.

My long-term goal will be to travel around the world. I want to travel across all the countries in Europe. It’s not a top goal for this year and I still have a long way to go to reach this goal. Since young, I already have the curiosity to explore the world to its fullest, hence it’s like a promise for my past young self to complete this lifetime goal. If I fail, I will be very disappointed in myself as I will feel like I didn’t work hard to accomplish this goal for myself. Moreover, this goal is also one of my life purposes, so I will work very hard to make sure I can reach this goal someday. The milestone that I must accomplish to reach my goal is to travel to at least 1 country in Europe yearly in the future. To achieve my goal, I need to establish some new habits and tasks. One of my habits is to start reading newspapers daily and doing research during my free time about Europe countries to gain more knowledge about the cultures. Secondly, the task that I have established is to work hard for myself in the future so that I can get a nice job with a high salary. I think these habits and tasks are significant for me as it prepares me for the future to travel the world and establishing these habits and goals will help me stay on track even though this is a long-term goal that requires a very consistent commitment. Moreover, these goals and tasks are also associated with the milestone of this long-term goal. In the next 30 years, I will finish traveling across all the countries in Europe.

SMART Review

• Specific: I want to travel across all the Europe countries.
• Measurable: I will track my progress by traveling to at least 1 country in Europe yearly in the future.
• Attainable: I will accomplish this by reading newspapers daily and doing research during my free time about their cultures. I also need to work hard in the future to increase my salary over time.
• Relevant: Getting to travel across all the Europe countries can fulfill my curiosity to explore the world since young and my dream to travel across Europe.
• Time: I will finish traveling all the countries in Europe in the next 30 years.

Next, my social goal is to get involved in 10 volunteer works. I want to get involved in some charity movements, such as visiting old folks’ homes, cleaning the animal shelter, and visiting orphanage homes. It’s not a top goal for this year as this goal is not urgent and unimportant at this moment. This goal is important for me to accomplish because I always wanted to help people in volunteer work while getting to know other strangers as well, it also makes me feel that I am giving some contributions back to the society I grew up in. It gives me a sense of happiness and love when I helped strangers, especially in any charity movement. If I fail to achieve this social goal, I will be disappointed as I feel I am unable to give some smallest contributions back to society. The milestones that I must accomplish before I reach this goal are I need to be more active in joining events that are visiting the animal shelter, old folks’ home and others at least twice a year. To achieve this social goal, I need to develop some new habits and tasks. The habits and tasks that I need to develop are to be more engaged in social media so that I can notice some volunteer work that is happening around me easily. Secondly, I also need to be more active in finding societies and charity organizations that held monthly visits to the old folks’ homes. These habits and tasks are important to me because it helps me to stay on track and helps me to reach my milestones easier and faster towards my social goal. I will achieve this social goal within the next 5 years.

SMART Review :

1. Specific: I want to get involved in 10 volunteer works, such as visiting old folks’ homes, cleaning animal shelters, and visiting orphanage homes.
2. Measurable: I will track my progress towards my goal by being more active in joining events that are visiting old folks’ homes or animal shelters and others at least twice a year.
3. Relevant: Getting involved in volunteer work gives me a sense of happiness because I can contribute some of my efforts back to society.
4. Attainable: I can accomplish this by being more engaged in social media to notice more volunteer works happening around me, I also need to be active in finding charity societies and organizations.
5. Time: I will achieve this social goal by completing 10 volunteer works in the next 5 years.

Summary for 2.0 Goal-setting

For the past few weeks, I have utilized this goal-setting method to set up the goals that I wanted to achieve. I think this goal-setting method has motivated me to achieve my goal and to be more serious about it. For my short-term goal, I think I have to reach part of the milestone since I am doing well in most of my recent assessments and in-course quiz in other subjects. I have scored well on my mathematics quiz and am already preparing for my assignments early. Through this process, I think I have changed some of my behavior such as procrastinating my studies, and have reduced my intention to play computer games. The new habits that I have set for myself have helped me to gain more knowledge in my academics and help me to score in exams, and the habits also help me to finish my assignments on time and never rush it as rushing work doesn’t produce a good quality one. This helps me to score well on my overall CGPA. In a conclusion, I think I have learned the importance of keeping track of a goal to really achieve it. As for my long-term goal, I think I did not reach my milestone yet as it still has a long way to go. However, I did some research on some of the Europe countries about the culture. The habits that I have established have made me more curious about the culture and the people in Europe countries. Through this process, I have learned more about the cultures, the cuisine, and the famous place in certain Europe countries. Lastly, for my social goal, I have reached my milestone as I did a lookup for volunteering events on my social media platform. However, I think I still need to be more engaged so that I can notice more easily. Through this process, I have gained experience in communicating with other people, and I have also learned more about some of the details of different non-profit organizations that are actively helping people that are in trouble. I really appreciate this goal-setting method as it motivates me a lot and I take my goals more seriously. Most people often don’t come up with a plan when it comes to achieving their goals and end up failing to accomplish them, hence keeping track of your own goals is very important.

Summary for 3.0 SWOT Analysis

For the previous weeks, I have spent time analyzing my strengths and weakness. I have utilized all my strengths to get me one step closer to achieving my goals and developing myself. For example, one of my strengths is always to start my assignments as early as possible, hence I always finish my assignments on time and never get my marks deducted for any late submission or any unorganized work of my assignment. As this will help me secure my CGPA of 3.7 by the end of the semester. Next, I have also utilized my other strengths such as being willing to communicate with my teachers and friends when I faced trouble in my studies. I always voice up my problems to them so that I can solve any of the academic problems immediately, so I can be clear about them during my assessments and exams. Last but not least, I have also always motivated myself to study when I feel the need to, this helps me to be more serious about my studies when I don’t have the mood to concentrate.

There are some of my weakness which is hindering my progress in achieving my goal. Hence, these previous few weeks I have tried my best to improve my weakness, so it doesn’t affect my progress so much in achieving my goal. One of the things I did is to be more conscious of the difficulty of any upcoming exams so that I won’t be too over-confidence and neglect my revisions. I also choose an environment that is free from any distractions when I am doing my assignments or revisions so that I can be more focused and not get distracted. I have also stuck to the timetable that I have planned to prevent me from procrastinating too much from time to time.

One of the big opportunities is having access to the campus library, as this gives me a much more distractions-free environment for me to concentrate during my revisions and doing my assignments. Next, the guidance of my lecturers is also very important to me, I make use of it by frequently asking questions regarding my academic stuff and assignments. Last but not least, I have handled some of the threats in the past few weeks. For example, I have set up a timetable for myself which only allows me to have leisure time during weekends. I also keep away my console and PC in somewhere else not noticeable when I am studying as this helps me reduce the distractions and my urge to play it when I am bored.

4.0 Time Management

Reflection

A day only has 24 hours, no more or less. Hence, time is so precious in our lives because one can never take back the time that has passed. I was one of the people that always complain about not having enough time every day. However, I am surprised that planning my own timetable makes me use time more efficiently and finish all the work of that day. During that one week, I successfully managed my time according to my plan and I feel great afterward. During the weekdays except for Friday, I usually spend my morning traveling to school and having classes until the afternoon.

Then in the afternoon, I will usually spend my time working out in the gym and doing my assignments. At night, I will usually spend time doing self-study sessions. However, on the weekends and Friday, I will usually spend most of my time as my leisure time and a little time doing academic-related stuff. During my leisure time, I will be playing social media, playing computer games, and watching movies and dramas. I spend roughly around 15 hours as my leisure time, and more than 20 hours studying, going to school, and doing assignments in one whole week. I think I could have managed my time better by planning my daily to-do list, this will help me accomplish the most important task first on that day. Next, I also can set up my weekly goal list, this helps me keep track of my weekly goals and work towards them. Moreover, I think I could have reduced my leisure time sometimes and used that time to accompany my family for an outing or just have a conversation with them. In conclusion, I will appreciate my time even more from now on.

5.0 Intercultural Communications

The culture that I am going to choose to do a comparison with is Kazakhstan culture. I come from a Malaysian Chinese culture, so I am going to do a comparison between both of these cultures. As we know, there are a lot of differences between both cultures. One of the main differences that we can notice is the language and dialect. As Malaysian Chinese our mother tongue is Chinese, but we also able to speak English and Bahasa Malaysia ( National Language) because Malaysians are usually able to speak at least English and Bahasa Malaysia. The dialects that are widely spoken here in Malaysia as Malaysian Chinese are Cantonese, Hokkien, and Hakka, and there are some other dialects as well but are not often used. On the other hand, according to (Studycountry n.d.), the official language for Kazakhstan is Kazakh, and their second language is Russian, both of which are widely used in daily life. However, most of the population in Kazakh knows how to speak Russian than Kazakh.

Next, another main difference that we can notice is the unique cuisine between these two cultures. One of the most famous Malaysian Chinese cuisines is the Hainanese Chicken rice state (Peter Wang n.d). This dish is served with chicken that is marinated with different spices and rice which is cooked with different herbs and spices to add up the taste. There is a lot of debate about whether this dish originated from Malaysia or Hainan, a state in china. Some people said Malaysians created the first Hainan Chicken Rice. Secondly, (Peter Wang n.d) also mentioned prawn mee as one of his favorite Malaysian Chinese cuisines. Prawn mee is quite famous in Penang and it’s often referred to as “hokkien mee”. On the other hand, according to (foodyoushouldtry , 2017) one of the most popular cuisine in Kazakhstan is the Beshbarmark. It’s the national dish for the Kazakhs. The dish is served with boiled noodles, finely chopped boiled meat, and “shorpo” which is a mutton broth in bowls. Then, (foodyoushouldtry, 2017) also states that kumis is one of the famous Kazakhstan cuisines. It’s actually a fermented dairy product made from horse’s milk and it contains alcohol.

A Master’s in International Business provides essential core business knowledge and even promotes in development of managerial skill that is effective for business leaders I am very keen to study in this particular area which is the reason for applying for Master in International Business with advanced practice in Ulster University. I am currently studying at the National University of Modern Languages, for a Bachelor of Business Administration, with experience of working as an HR, Sales executive in First step communication. The MSc program develops Strategic analytical skills, Business intuition, and Enquiring and adaptive thinking through its course which consists of modules like Integration of Business Functions, Leading Change, and Business Creativity.

I want to be specialized in identifying globally competitive business environments, and Ulster University will not only provide me with academic resources but also assist me how to make strategic decisions in the real world. Ulster University designed the education system very efficient, effective, and modern by supporting an open learning program aimed at individuals who are keen to research more and need to balance study with class and home commitments. It employs supported open learning, a flexible learning model which uses a mixture of different methods of study, including facilitated online learning supplemented by face-to-face workshops. A very friendly study environment, library facility, and open campus motivate students to explore and comfort studying.

To achieve my career goals, I need to learn more about modern development and techniques to help me advance in this competitive market. After completing my Master’s degree from Ulster University, I believe that academic skills will become a bridge for my prosperous career. This course will not expand my knowledge in just one particular area but in other fields as well with their practical techniques.

My academic life was incepted with me leaning toward the field of commerce. My academic experience provided me with a wide range of practical knowledge and skills that will be immediately useful when studying for a Master’s degree from a renowned university. A Postgraduate degree will provide me with a thorough theoretical and practical grounding in the business field which I can implement in Pakistan and overseas, and with this Postgraduate degree, I will explore my basic and academic gained knowledge in my future work field where I will get the chance to work. MSc degree creates more job opportunities and many renowned companies prefer candidates with an MSc degree for virtuous designation. Earning this degree will expand my possibility of working in the desired organization where I can apply the skill which I will evolve in this course. MSc degree opens doors for candidates who are determined to work as managers and in the top hierarchy level of a company.

The MSc aims to develop the business leaders of the future. It approaches responsible leadership thematically from the starting points of creativity, practicality, and social resourcefulness, and focuses strongly on the personal development of participants, including my career management. Consequently, the degree of MSc in International Business will sharply boost my career because often pay scale is set according to the demand of the candidate in the reputed organization or MNCs in which I have been wishing to get in. Building on a broad foundation of business functions, the MSc focuses on the integrative disciplines of business strategy and the management of change, leading to a real-world consultancy project and an individual business research project.

A higher degree from UK University is the dream choice of students all over the world and in my country’s perspective, the UK degree is highly trusted and accepted. I also have a dream to achieve my MSc from a highly recognized UK university. While thinking about pursuing MSc first country that comes to my mind is the UK. Because the UK is one of the best destinations for international students. The UK has always been globetrotting for students from all over the world, having prestigious universities, the best faculties, and a research environment. UK education brand is highly respected by employers in our country and all over the world as the UK degree prepares graduates with academic competencies, developing personal and professional skills that are imperative for organizational success. A recent Survey of International Graduate Outcomes 2019 by Universities UK International produced by graduates shows that 82% of international graduates say that their UK degrees are worth the financial investment and the same percentage say they are satisfied or very satisfied with their careers. 83% feel that a UK degree has helped them to get jobs. These aspects have driven my ambition to gain a degree from a UK institution.

I believe that in the future, with the direction of the experienced and learned teachers at your university, I will have completely developed my autonomous thinking and capabilities. In the long run, I plan to work as a proficient manager in a worldwide recognized organization, and I am persuaded that by studying nearby the experts and students in your university, I will be able to lock in an illuminating future and secure a more significant scholarly establishment.

From a teacher’s perspective, one of the single and probably most fundamental goals is to so equip students with an arsenal of skill to develop strategic methodologies to solve problems, to irritate the thought process through discussion relating to teaching and learning as well as to uphold and encourage teaching that will alleviate hurdles to the learning process and hope to contribute to shaping student to become productive members of a developing and changing society.

Nonetheless, from the student point of view, learning goals is highly possible to reflect an individual motivation. Hence, being enrolled as a part of this course is to further develop my intellectual horizon so as to cater for the students (teenagers and or adult) that I educate. Even more so to cater for the diverse learning style that exist to us- be it- audio, visual or the kinesthetic or tactile learning is valued and not feel left out.

Nonetheless, in order to achieve this as an individual, I pledge to remain motivated to learn on the basis that I need to know. In addition to this, it is exceedingly important that I adapt to the new learning ambience and provide support. This is on the basis that if individuals believe that their views are or little or no value, if they are ignored they are being talked down to, then there is a strong possibility that oomph will be affected in such away whereas the learning process will be shifted to deal with those feelings of my colleagues. Hence, a comfortable environment will be fostered and create a productive learning climate through the attitude of every member of the Adult Learning Methods and Teaching Strategies.

I am an educator for just a little over six years. The fact that I am a classroom teacher, teaching for me is viewed as has become a channel of communication, owing the basic process for teaching and learning. At the same time learning is a connecting process, and students may learn more through this process as they get to participate and be engaged (William Foster). I want to equip myself with an assortment of strategies to grow and tap into a new horizon of students learning ability though my exploitation of teaching strategies.

‘Quality is never an accident. It is the result of lofty intentions, persistent and sincere effort, knowledgeable self-direction and skilful application. It reflects a series of intelligent choices among alternatives along the way’ (William Foster).

I AM GEARED UP TO MAKE AN IMPACT.

Speech 1: A Message of Unity

Dear fellow students,

As we embark on another school year, I wanted to take a moment to speak about the importance of unity within our student body.

We come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, but we share a common goal: to learn, grow, and succeed. In order to achieve this goal, it is essential that we work together and support one another.

Unity does not mean that we all have to agree on everything or have the same opinions. It means that we respect and value each other’s differences and come together for the greater good.

One of the best ways to foster unity is through active listening and open communication. We should listen to each other’s concerns and ideas, and work together to find solutions that benefit everyone.

Another way to promote unity is through empathy and kindness. When we see someone struggling, we should offer a helping hand and show compassion. When we celebrate each other’s successes, we strengthen our bonds and build a sense of community.

Let us also remember that our school is part of a larger community. We have a responsibility to not only support each other within our school walls, but also to contribute positively to the community around us.

So, I encourage each of you to make an effort to promote unity within our school. Take the time to get to know your fellow students, and find ways to collaborate and support each other. Let us work together to create a positive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

Thank you.

Speech 2: Fostering Creativity and Innovation

Dear fellow students,

It is an honor to stand before you today as a candidate for the student council, and to share with you my vision for fostering creativity and innovation in our school.

We all know that our school is more than just a place of learning – it is a community, where we all come together to grow, to develop, and to create. And yet, for too long, I believe that we have not been fully tapping into the potential for creativity and innovation that exists within each and every one of us.

That’s why, if elected to the student council, I am committed to working with all of you to foster a culture of creativity and innovation in our school.

So, what do I mean by that? Firstly, I believe that we need to create more opportunities for students to explore their passions and develop their skills. Whether it’s through extracurricular activities, special projects, or even just dedicated class time, we need to make sure that every student has the chance to pursue their interests and develop their talents.

Secondly, I believe that we need to create a more supportive and collaborative environment for students. We need to break down the barriers that often exist between different groups of students, and encourage everyone to work together to achieve their goals. This means fostering a culture of respect, empathy, and openness, where everyone feels heard and valued.

And finally, I believe that we need to challenge ourselves to think outside of the box, and to come up with new and innovative ideas for improving our school. Whether it’s finding new ways to engage students in their learning, creating more opportunities for community involvement, or even just improving the physical environment of our school, I know that together we can make a real difference.

Of course, achieving all of these goals won’t be easy. It will take hard work, dedication, and a willingness to think creatively and outside of the box. But I am confident that together, we can make it happen.

So, I ask for your vote today, not just for me, but for the idea of fostering creativity and innovation in our school. Let’s work together to create a community where everyone has the chance to thrive and succeed. Thank you.

Speech 3: Prioritizing Mental Health and Wellbeing

Dear fellow students,

I am honored to speak to you today about a topic that is very important to me and should be important to all of us: mental health and wellbeing. As we continue to navigate the challenges of the current world, it is crucial that we prioritize our mental health and support each other in maintaining our wellbeing.

It is easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of school and extracurricular activities, and to forget to take care of ourselves. But when we neglect our mental health, it can lead to serious consequences that affect not only ourselves, but also those around us. It is important that we acknowledge the challenges we face and take proactive steps to address them.

As a student council, we have a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the mental health and wellbeing of our school community. We can work together to create an environment that supports mental health and wellbeing, and to advocate for resources and support for students who are struggling.

One way we can do this is by promoting mental health awareness and education. We can bring in speakers or organize events to increase awareness about mental health and to break down the stigma that often surrounds it. We can also work to ensure that students have access to resources and support, such as counseling services, mental health hotlines, and peer support groups.

Additionally, we can focus on promoting healthy habits and self-care. This could include organizing mindfulness sessions, yoga classes, or other activities that promote relaxation and stress relief. We can also work with school administration to prioritize physical activity and healthy eating habits.

Ultimately, it is up to us as individuals to prioritize our mental health and wellbeing, but as a student council, we can help create a culture that supports and encourages this. By fostering an environment of openness and support, we can ensure that all students feel comfortable seeking the help and resources they need.

In closing, I urge each and every one of you to prioritize your mental health and wellbeing. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help or support, and know that there are people in this community who care about you and want to help you succeed. As a student council, we will continue to work towards promoting mental health and wellbeing for all students, and I am excited to see what we can achieve together. Thank you.

Speech 4: Advocating for Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility

Good morning fellow students,

Today, I want to talk to you about a topic that affects us all – sustainability and environmental responsibility. As members of this student council, we have a responsibility to advocate for positive change, not just within our school but within our community and beyond. Our actions can have a significant impact on the environment, and it is our duty to make sure that we are doing our part to preserve it.

The issue of climate change is becoming increasingly pressing. We are seeing the devastating effects of climate change all around the world, from more frequent natural disasters to rising sea levels and extreme weather patterns. We cannot afford to ignore this issue any longer.

As students, we are in a unique position to make a difference. We have the energy and creativity to come up with innovative solutions to some of the most pressing environmental issues we face. I believe that it is our responsibility to use these skills to create a more sustainable future.

So, what can we do to promote sustainability and environmental responsibility within our school and community?

Firstly, we need to reduce our carbon footprint. This means taking steps to reduce the amount of energy we use, such as turning off lights and electronics when they are not in use, using public transport or carpooling, and reducing our consumption of meat and dairy products. We also need to promote renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, and work towards reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.

Secondly, we need to reduce our waste. This means recycling and composting as much as possible, reducing our consumption of single-use plastics, and encouraging others to do the same. We can also work towards reducing food waste by donating unused food to local food banks and composting food scraps.

Finally, we need to advocate for change. This means speaking out about the importance of environmental responsibility and encouraging others to take action. We can work with local businesses and organizations to promote sustainability, and we can organize events and initiatives that raise awareness about environmental issues.

As members of this student council, we have a unique opportunity to make a difference. We can use our platform to advocate for positive change, and we can work together to create a more sustainable future. So, let us come together and make a commitment to promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility. Let us use our creativity and innovation to come up with solutions to the most pressing environmental issues we face. And let us work together to create a better future for ourselves and for generations to come.

Thank you.