Author: sahai80660@gapps.uwcsea.edu.sg

Emotional Intelligence – Thoughts and Goal Setting

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In these past few weeks I have been exposed to an essential dimension of character, that surprisingly, has remained unbeknownst to me despite its importance. Emotional intelligence has been defined as “the ability to monitor one’s own and other people’s emotions, to discriminate between different emotions and label them appropriately, and to use emotional information to guide thinking and behavior”.

There is a significantly high correlation between success and emotional intelligence, which is unsurprising, considering that in order to navigate the waters of life, one must be able to master the vessel of self. There are various traits and dimensions that emotionally intelligent people exhibit, which I believe could enhance my performance in my various pursuits.

One of these, perhaps the most vital in ensuring success, is the ability for oneself to recognise their strengths and weaknesses. Obviously, only after the identification of shortcomings can one resolve them. The ability to recognise and act upon flaws is essential in self-development, which is conducive of success in relationships, as well as success in a profession related context.

Second, the ability embrace change was one that I found to be particularly useful. The nature of human existence is once of inconstancy – one must navigate ever-changing conditions in their environment and self. Therefore, only if one can embrace change in an optimistic manner, can one adapt accordingly to the changing circumstances, and strive for success in a new context.

I found that the ability to let go of mistakes was particularly interesting. We have always learned to embrace our mistakes in order to learn from that. However, letting go of mistakes involves learning from them in a detached, emotionless manner, which helps individuals achieve their success and jump over hurdles in their lives.

देवदास

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आज हिंदी कक्षा में मैंने देवदास का पहला अध्याय पढ़ा था। इस उपनायास का अनुवाद हिंदी में बेंगौली से किया गया है। अब तक हमें देवदास के चरित्र एवं गुण के बारे में पता चलता है। देवदास काफ़ी अनुशासनहीन है, और किसी का आज्ञा नहीं मानता है।देवदास हिंसक है। इसके अलावा, दीवदास पढ़ाई लिखाई में माँ नहीं लगता है।

CREST – Final Reflection

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I believe that my project was successful to a large extent – I sought to address questions of the viability of a hypothetical rocket – the NTR – and did so in my research paper. I not only researched and presented some of the potential concerns associated with an NTR, including safety and operating temperature, yet also proposed means to mitigate some of these issues. However, one thing that I did not do to the best of my ability, was to answer the research topic directly. While I addressed the benefits and drawbacks of NTRs, I perhaps could have done a better job of providing a direct answer as to how viable Nuclear Thermal Rockets are. I felt that while I explored the topic itself in sufficient depth, I did not provide an absolute, close-ended answer. I also felt that, although I referred to a sufficient volume of research, that I could have explored a greater range of research papers – I only used 6 in my project. Finally, my paper was quantitatively lacking – I could have used even more concrete data to solidify my claims further.

Through this process, I have learned several research skills, many of which are apt for scientific papers, and many are applicable outside of STEM topics. I learned how to do PARC analyses of sources, in order to evaluate the extent to which I should be relying on a particular source in my research. I also honed my citation skills, as well as learning how to use Google Scholar as a tool for effective research. I am also very grateful for the new knowledge I have learnt through this project – rocketry, along with some astrodynamic theory. Finally, I learnt the value and importance of consulting teachers, as well as friends – both provided useful and important insights where my own perspective, clouded by bias, failed me.

The results of my project are applicable to the human pursuit of conquering uncharted territories. As questions of sustainability plague the world, we are prompted to consider space as the next frontier of human civilisation. Space is inextricably linked to rocketry, and innovation is much needed in this field in order for there to exist a feasible solution to space colonisation. The NTR offers itself as one such innovation, and as such it is important to determine how viable it is for interplanetary exploration. My research outlined some of the bottlenecks we may encounter in regards to NTRs, and how we may be able to resolve them.

To improve my work, I would have aimed to rectify the shortcomings I previously highlighted – researching from a greater variety of sources, relied more on quantitative methods of analysis and comparison, and answered my research question in a more direct manner.

If I were to develop the project in the future, I would aim to account for the problems encountered when dealing with a realistic scenario rather than a hypothetical one. I would try to account for the effect that an atmosphere could have on the propulsion of the rocket, for example. I would also aim to address every substantial concern posed by NTRs, rather than just the most salient ones.

A Comparison of Two Short Films – The Kid and Alive in Joburg

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The concept film genre is one that I personally have found to be fairly interesting; it is an interesting application of the short film format, with an element which bears a resemblance to a movie trailer. Giving an exposition of the plot possibilities that can be derived from the introduction of the context and setting, concept films also feature a particular visual style that constructs a certain mood.

The concept films I saw – “Alive in Joburg” and “The Kid” – were not entirely dissimilar in the sense of genre and mood: both films had a salient dystopic aura, albeit in different forms.

“Alive in Joburg” is set in Johannesburg in South Africa, as the title suggests (“Joburg: is a colloquial version of “Johannesburg”). Set in 1990, Johannesburg is shown to host extraterrestrial beings, who were initially accepted with a certain geniality, as the locals were beguiled by an extraordinary species that wore special “bio-suits”. However, the relationship between the locals and the aliens soon deteriorated, with the aliens having to steal in order to survive. Frequent clashes with the police ensued, while the locals can be seen with firearms to prevent the thievery of the aliens, resulting in heightened tensions. The aliens can be seen living in shanty and derelict circumstances, lacking access to necessities such as water and electricity. The film’s budget is evidently low, as majority of the shots seem to be taken in an amateur manner that is entirely uncharacteristic of a commercial, studio produced film. This concept film intrigued me, due to the fact that the locals who were featured did not explicitly mention extraterrestrial beings, and the statements they offered seemed broad and generic, almost intentionally avoiding the mention of aliens. Upon further research, I was unsurprised when I found out. that most of the film was not shot by the filmmakers; rather, all of the scenes featuring locals were in fact authentic interviews of South Africans expressing their views about Zimbabwean refugees.

“The Kid” by Dust presents an equally intriguing plot, albeit one that is concealed within a much more “tight” moment. A “kid” and a woman, clearly unrelated biologically, are running away from a group of assailants. The woman and child are finally cornered in an alleyway, where it is revealed that the assailants are only interested in the child. With an unyielding determination, the woman engages in hand to hand combat with the assailants, impressively subduing most of them. However one of the assailants shoots her in the head, and she dies. One of the assailants approaches the child whose palm is outstretched, the other one clasping the hand of his deceased protector. The child’s supernatural abilities are revealed, as he brings his companion back to life, seemingly by siphoning the life out of the assailant whose hand he holds.

Both of the films have a dystopic mood. While Johannesburg is shown to be littered with slums, and spaceships kilometres long are hovering above derelict skyscrapers, “The Kid” features decrepit alleyways, lined with sagging buildings whose walls are covered in confetti. However, “Alive in Joburg” presents a very explicit dystopian mood, as it is clear how the entirety of Johannesburg’s population, local or alien, is subject to decayed and ramshackle conditions, lacking access to water and electricity. On the other hand, “The Kid” presents a more subtle dystopic feel. One can observe skyscrapers and low lying buildings as found in several cities, with no apparent deterioration when viewed as a long shot, or as a birds-eye view. Instead, the grimness of the setting is hinted at in a subtle manner, when the viewer sees the underbelly of the city. Apart from the ominous flapping of pigeons amidst a quiet backdrop, and the unusually empty roads, a viewer might not be able to differentiate the setting from one that they may encounter in real life. This might perhaps not be fully intentional, and we must realise the limitations inherent in concept film that has a limited budget; the filmmakers could not transform an entire city according to their preferences for a setting.

Another similarity is that both films revolve around the relationship between two disparate parties. “Alive in
Joburg” explores the interactions between two dissimilar groups: South African locals, and extraterrestrial beings. Similarly, “The Kid” depicts the relationship between a young boy and a woman, estranged to each other by age and race. However, while “Alive in Joburg” aims to poignantly represent the plight of the extraterrestrial beings while depicting the inability of two different races to exist harmoniously, “The Kid” explores an undying and eternal bond of fierce loyalty between the two protagonists. Despite her knowledge that she was putting herself in danger’s grasp by protecting the child, the woman is adamant and unwavering in her resolve. The child feels a sense of loyalty even after the woman dies, bringing her back to life by using all of his strength and abilities. However, “Alive in Joburg” reveals how two disparate groups descended into violent clashes, representing the apathy of the locals, and the lawlessness of the aliens.

The cinematic styles of the two movies present a striking difference. “Alive in Joburg” has a low-budget quality, as it comprises of several documentary clips. As such, rather than relying on clever cinematography and dynamic action to fuel the plot, it relies more on a realistic depiction of the situation the characters find themselves in, exposing the hardships encountered in a more organic and unprofessional manner. However, a film studio that were to adopt this might choose to alter this unorthodox cinematic style into something more commercially appealing and mainstream, or choose to maintain the particular impact of this unique concept. On the other hand “The Kid” by Dust feels very much like a commercially produced, high budget commercial film. It features exciting action to fuel the plot progression, involving hand to hand combat. The fact that the woman is able to singlehandedly ward off several of the assailants involves the exaggerated heroism that is very typical of commercial action films. This film also features the usage of different camera angles, in order to create a a mood that is much more fast-paced and tense, than that of “Alive in Joburg”. “The Kid” features several camera angles, including the birds-eye view, the long shot, the tracking shot, close up, and medium close up. The combination of these in a rapidly and shifting manner affect the pacing of a movie in such a way that a more exciting, blockbuster quality emerges.

 

CREST Reflection #1

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Now that I have decided on a topic for CREST – Evaluating the viability of Nuclear Thermal Rocket engines for interplanetary exploration – it feels necessary to reflect on my journey so far.

What might have helped you decide your project theme? 

I am an avid space enthusiast, and couple this with my love for classic mechanics, I thought rocket propulsion would be a perfect marriage of these topics. I wanted to research into a contentious topic, and therefore I chose to inquire into the war between different types of rocket propulsion systems. Because this includes intersections of interesting topics such as atomic physics, gravitational fields, and classical mechanics, I am quite happy that I have settled on this topic. Nuclear Thermal Rockets (NTRs) are an especially contentious theoretical rocket, with several scientists singing praises of its revolutionary efficiency, and others writing it off as a fanciful figment of scientists’ imagination.

What was your initial approach to this project? How might that change?

Initially, I intended on comparing NTR propulsion systems with more commonplace chemical rocket engines, and evaluating the effectiveness of each. However, there have not been any NTRs that have actually undergone space flight, and as such any comparison of the two propulsion systems without any concrete data, I realised, would be inherently unfounded in its nature. Therefore, I have pivoted, or rather restricted my research, to focus specifically on the feasibility of Nuclear Thermal Rockets (NTRs). Using principles of astrodynamics and classical mechanics, I will explore the bottlenecks associated with NTRs, yet also the potential fruit of this endeavour.

I have also changed the style of my project, from a research paper, into a communication brief, although I intend to retain the usage of the report style presentation. I have also decided on a target audience – a community of physics lovers, in the form of the school’s astronomy society, and students of physics in my residential community. Finally, considering varying levels of familiarity, I may choose to lay the foundations of rocket propulsion in my report, in order for the most effective digestion of the topic at hand.

 

CREST Peer Feedback

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After much internal debate and turmoil, and much frustrated probing into the internet, I finally settled onto the topic of different propulsion systems for launch vehicles. In my project, I want to determine the comparative strengths and weaknesses of thermal rockets relative to chemical rockets:

My peers gave my very useful constructive feedback on my project. Mohnish’s comment made me realise that there need not be one type of propulsion system that is objectively superior; rather that thermal and chemical rockets might be suitable for different purposes. Reesa’s comment about the risks associated with these systems made me cognisant of the importance of assessing the risks of the different systems in my report.

CAIE DT Post 4

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Something which I find myself to be lacking in, and something in which I often struggle, is time management. Homework, GC priorities, competition preparation, basketball training, all of them culminate into something that is difficult to juggle and manage. The IGCSE DT course put all of these problems into perspective, as I embarked on a journey of creating a functional product for my client, while working on my design portfolio.

This is a page of my criterion 4, where I included an overview of my planning for the production of the product. My product had several elements and constituents, and I had to plan the order in which I would produce each, as well as the time I would dedicate. However, things got quickly disorganised, as my circuit took much longer than anticipated, due to the fact that it was my original design, and not verified in any way. Due to this, I had to juggle other school commitments, as well as staying back extra hours so that I could finish my circuit.

Overall, I finished quite late. However, this was well worth it for the satisfaction that I took on the challenge of innovating and trying to create my own circuit, rather than using a pre-existing kit as was the norm.

SWOT Analysis for CREST

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Before I embark on my CREST journey, it is vital to analyse my current skills, and what I can develop further in order for a fruitful research project:

Strengths in regards to such projects:

  1. Good research skills; able to sieve through large volumes of information
  2. Good analytic skills; able to scientifically evaluate topic very thoroughly
  3. Able to use scientific terminology and correct register

Weaknesses:

  1. Often unable to explain esoteric topics in universally understandable manners
  2. Often am not succinct enough, and as such makes for a long and tedious read
  3. Might not be able to implement a very well-defined structure

Opportunities, and what I hope to achieve:

  1. Exploring a topic of scientific interest which I would not have learned in such great depth otherwise
  2. Development of evaluative and quantitative skills through a scientific lens
  3. Development of research skills
  4. Development of report-writing skills

Obstacles/Threats:

  1. Interesting topics might rely on a lot of related knowledge unbeknownst to me
  2. Interesting topics might have a high mathematic barrier in order to quantitatively analyse effectively
  3. Might decide on a topic too early, which might result in doing an undesirable topic

CAIE DT Post 3

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After reflecting and percolating on my learnings from my major project for the CAIE DT course, I realise perhaps the skill learnt for which perhaps I am most grateful for – communication. This is something of mine that might not have necessarily been strong prior to the project. However, in the course of the project, I learnt how to communicate ideas in clear, succinct manners, often with the aid of graphic representations. While communication has remained integral throughout the coursework, one specific instance that allowed me to develop this skill was in my 3rd criterion – C3.

In C3, we were expected to develop design ideas for the form of our product. The main objective of this was so that we could come up with 6 designs, and the client could choose the one that best suited their needs and tastes. Examples of mine are given below:

As shown in the example above, I had to use drawings in order to communicate the designs. Since I am not particularly artistic in the sense of sketches and drawing, this was a cool opportunity for me to develop these skills. Although my drawings did not turn out as realistic as I hoped, I was able to develop some basic principles of rendering and drawing realistically.

As shown in the right hand side drawing, I also learnt how to use different views, in order for my client to be able to visualise and understand the design. This was particularly useful, especially when features that are important might be difficult to observe from a single drawing.

I also had to use text to explain and evaluate each design – overall allowing me to elucidate my design ideas both visually and and in written form.