SWOT Analysis

Strengths

Independent, atypical and self-reliant. These are the three things that come to mind when someone ask me the person that I am thriving to be. When I was a little kid, my father introduced me to a song by an old British band - Pink Floyd called Another Brick In The Wall that was first heard in 1971. He told me the context of the song and lyrics that made the song revolutionary apart from its melody and music. The song condemns the whole British education system at that time and urges students to stay away from school because the education system then (and still now) tries to create an army of single-minded people whom their actions and thoughts are controlled and adhered to whatever propaganda that are presented in the textbooks. To me the song is an anthem for free will and a celebration to individualism; to be the different odd looking brick on the wall.

My life motto is 'Not Another Brick In The Wall' because this song is a life lesson that teaches me to be different, to be independent and to stand out from the crowd. And I guess being independent gives me a sense of confidence and bravery to face any challenge that may come in life. And I believe that makes me an optimist. But having said that, I believe one's strong attributes are not genetic but need to be developed, honed and refined from time to time as there is always room for improvement. In my case, I find travelling, volunteer in local clinics or organizing programs or events help me to be more independent, to improve my leadership and communication skills and to prevent me from being another brick in the wall.

Weaknesses

I am a very opinionated person having been raised in a family that heavily values and respects criticism and one's point of view. I personally don't believe on the expression of 'on the fence' as I believe that each person is entitled to his or her own opinion and must be given all the opportunities and the right platform to express it. Having said that, I often speak of my mind and determined to be heard. However, such determination has its disadvantage because I was told that I am bossy and dictating because I always come out strong and loud when expressing my viewpoints. Though I deem it as an unfortunate misconception about me, I try to take the criticism as a mean to further improve myself and of course there are some factors that I need to look into that might be the reasons why people would think that I am bossy. For example, I certainly feel I could improve more in the usage of words or language in general when offering an opinion like saying more often: 'please', 'thank you' or 'I like your idea but I have a different take on it'. I also think that I could also improve on my tone of voice when speaking so that I don't sound demanding or dictating. Letting the world to know your perspective on any matter is important but so does being humble and courteous while doing it.

Opportunities

I believe that I can benefit a lot from studying in Taylor's University because in my opinion, this university provides an ideal setting for the students' development in academics as well as encouraging these students to pursue their interests and passions. There are many clubs and student-based organizations in the campus that cater the interest and passion of the students be it in sports, politics, leadership and language. I was intrigued to join the Taylor's Toastmasters Club that help members to improve their language and speaking skills or being part of the Muay Thai Fighting Club. Maybe I wil join one day. My point is I see lots of opportunities for me to grow as a person and acquire the necessary life skills and attitudes for me to survive in the outside world in Taylor's University. And I intend to make full use of it.

Threats

I wish to say I am an effective multi-tasker but I am not because I can get distracted easily. This proves to be a stumbling block in my study progression but however, over times, I have learned to identify some factors that contribute to my proscrastination and unproductive attitude in respect to my study habits. For example, I need a conducive, quiet and spacious place to study and I find the study area in Taylor's Library in Lakeside Campus at level 4 to be the perfect study place for me. Almost everyday I would spend my time after class to catch up on my studies or finishing off assignments there.

Recently, some of my friends have joined me and together we would study and revise till late at night which turned out to be a good thing as having good study companions somehow could take the stress away. I also need to feel and be motivated constantly and thus having a good support system in the form of families and friends are vital. Together with a group of my friends, we have formed a study group known as MIB Group. On the surface, we are like any ordinary study group- we get together on a daily basis, study together and make notes. But as we get to know each other, we became closer and we help each other in motivating and keeping each other focused and on track.