Thank You For Listening

As I begin typing on this new entry, the 8pm talk show on Channel U is on TV. The topic: "Do you think looks is more important or inner beauty, with reference to girls?" A group of ladies is in intense discussions, including the famous blogger Xia Xue. After listening to the first 10min, I feel utterly disgusted and disappointed in their conversations, as most of them actually blatantly expressed that they rather be beautiful and stupid, than to be ugly and smart. And how they agree that botox and plastic surgery are normal and necessary if one is ugly. How I beg to differ!

Sounds familiar? It must be the spirit of SP4 (Semester Project 4) haunting me.

I had my first lesson on Monday since I joined NYP 3 months ago. The module? SP4, which is similar to what we call GP (General Paper) in college. Difference is that the discussion topics in class are mostly technical issues relating to chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Controversial topics which have no right or wrong answers. Objective of the module is to develop their technical presentation skills and also to defend and substantial their claims. It was indeed a fun module!



The lesson started off with a short video clip of "Thank You for Smoking" starring the comedian Aaron Eckhart in 2006. It was a Golden Globe nominated film. What is the relevance? Those who has never seen this show should see it right away...! It effectively exaggerated the power of argument and how an idea can be convincing as long as you have the evidence to support your stand. But the show can be easily misunderstood as "As long as you can bull****, you win" But that is definitely not my point =)

The class is a Year 2 class and hence are much cuter and attentive than I expected. They are responsive and yet not trouble makers. I feel that I can relate to them well also (Hee, think I am less than 10 years older than them lah!). Two more lessons to go for this week, Year 1 class for Physical and Inorganic Chemistry. Class management is really the key to handle Year 1 students, and that is the skill I lack.

Wish me luck!