Before I begin, I'd like to explain briefly why I named my blog account as No If, No But, No Excuses. This phrase came from my english teacher back in my junior college years. She often remind us that when we do something meaningful, we should put in our fullest effort and attention in order to achieve the best outcome. Excuses tend to refrain us from realising our fullest potential.
Proficiency in english has been an obstacle for me since primary school. I used to hate reading. Coming from a family background that uses Malay language as our daily conversation, I was introduced to Malay text, newspapers and readings and had little exposure to english language. School was the only platform for me to practice conversing and writing in english. It was only in junior college that I realised the importance of mastering english language. I started to read more books and from there I begin to cultivate an interest in reading. I wrote a lot of argumentative essays and had my tutor to check them. Having to just pass General Paper in A' Level, I am glad that I managed to meet the requirement to enter NUS.
In NUS, I have been conversing more in english, even among friends who come from the same ethnic group as me. My peers would correct my pronunciation during our conversations and edit my grammar in my assignments and submissions. Although my proficiency in English has improved, there is so much more for me to learn. I realised how proficient most of my peers in english as compared to me.
I hope that this course would enhance my proficiency in english language. I look forward to learn from my lecturer and peers. No if, no but, no excuses!
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