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My name is Yu Hang Gordon Chang, but everyone calls me Gordon. I am currently studying at the University of Nottingham International College. My ambition is to become a computer programmer, a path that has gradually taken shape through countless small coding experiments, late-night debugging sessions, and moments of triumph when a stubborn piece of logic finally fell into place. I have always felt a spark of excitement at the idea of crafting exquisite solutions out of lines of code, and I am committed to shaping that passion into real knowledge. What drives me most is the potential to build tools and applications that improve people’s lives, whether by simplifying everyday tasks or opening new ways for creativity and connection. If one program I write can save someone time, help them learn, or even bring a bit of joy, I will know I have succeeded.

My approach to learning is to practise. I immerse myself in tutorials, dissect open-source projects, and tackle personal coding challenges just to see how far I can push my skills and limits. As a learner, I am curious, determined, and adaptable. When I hit a roadblock, I dig in, ask questions, and explore alternative strategies until I have found a way forward. I have been certain for some time that computer programming is more than a career choice. It is a medium through which I can express creativity, solve real-world problems, and collaborate with others across disciplines. It means a great deal to me to have the opportunity to deepen my knowledge in this field, and I look forward to every new concept, project, or algorithm that will shape my journey.

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What skills have I developed?

Throughout my time at the University of Nottingham International College, I have learnt from playing basketball and piano since the age of five to develop a wide range of skills. In particular, those early experiences bolstered my teamwork and gave me the confidence to speak in front of an audience, which abilities I have sharpened through group projects and presentations at college. I have also picked up entirely new talents by making friends from around the globe and taking up hiking, which I now do weekly and in which I have become a better sports person. Living in Nottingham has let me enjoy huge football matches, thrilling concerts, and inspiring museum visits, each of which has enriched my personal growth.

Since starting my studies, I have grown far more confident. I regularly arrange study sessions and social meet-ups with my friends and classmates, and I look forward to all the ways I will continue to learn and connect both inside and outside the classroom.

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It has been a few weeks in Nottingham. I am really excited about taking my Foundation Course in Science and Engineering at the University of Nottingham International College!

I used Nottingham’s tram network in the first few weeks, hopping on to head into the city centre to explore the many shops and cafes around Old Market Square. I managed to find my way back to my accommodation without too much trouble.

In the first week, I registered with the university, took my student ID card and got to know my new classmates and friends, discovered a large supermarket where we stocked up on essentials. I am really looking forward to know them better as I settle into life here.

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Through the Kindness Curriculum, I have explored many interrelated virtues such as trust, perspective, humour, humility, honesty, mindfulness, empathy, acceptance, collaboration, gratitude, and compassion. I also discovered how each contributes to my personal growth.

Learning to cultivate trust encourages me to build stronger, more authentic relationships, while practising perspective, taking reminds me that every person’s experience matters.

Infusing humour into everyday interactions keeps my mood light and helps me connect with others, and embracing humility ensures I remain open to feedback and new ideas.

Honesty and mindfulness work together to keep me grounded in integrity and fully present in each moment, while empathy and compassion drive me to understand and alleviate others’ struggles.

Acceptance teaches me to welcome diversity and celebrate difference, and collaboration shows me the power of working together toward shared goals.

Finally, gratitude anchors me in appreciation for what I have and motivates me to give back.

By integrating these lessons into my daily life, whether through pausing for mindful reflection, expressing sincere thanks, or reaching out to help a friend, I am laying the foundation for stronger relationships, clearer communication, and a deeper sense of purpose. Over time, these practices will not only enrich my own well-being but also enable me to uplift those around me, guiding me toward becoming a kinder, more compassionate, and ultimately better person.

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Through these courses, I have gained a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of cybersecurity. I learned how to keep my devices healthy, installing and updating antivirus software, applying patches, and performing regular scans, to block malware before it can take hold. I now recognise the hallmarks of phishing emails, spam campaigns, and spoofing attacks, which teaches me to check in detail about unexpected messages, never click dubious links, and verify senders’ identities.

Safe browsing habits and responsible social-media use, like checking site certificates, adjusting privacy settings, and avoiding unsecured Wi-Fi, have become second nature.

Equally important, I have discovered best practices for securing my identity and financial details online, from creating strong, unique passwords (and using a password manager) to enabling two-factor authentication and spotting fake banking websites.

By learning to evaluate online content critically, such as cross-checking sources, watching for sensationalist headlines, and distinguishing facts from opinion, I am less likely to fall for misinformation or social-engineering ploys.

Taken together, these lessons form a personal security toolkit: device hygiene to block viruses, vigilant habits to sidestep scams, protective measures to guard my accounts and finances, and a critical mindset to navigate digital information safely. As I put each of these practices into daily use, I can browse, communicate, and transact online with far greater confidence, knowing I’m proactively reducing my exposure to cyberthreats.

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At the University of Nottingham International College, I have encountered multiple formal exams this year across my Foundation Course in Mathematics, Information Technology, Extended Project, and Statistics. Each exam carries a certain amount of weight toward my final grade. Adapting to this high-stakes environment was initially daunting, but it has driven me to prepare more thoroughly, sharpen my time-management skills, and aim for precision in every question.

During research week, I attended a sample lesson in the library at the University of Nottingham on how to research the appropriate sources. Although not many people attended the lesson, I was able to find the appropriate sources for my Extended Project Essay by using the tutor's tips. The accessible, conversational style of delivery kept me engaged throughout, and I plan to adopt that approach when presenting my analyses and presentations.

In the Extended Project assignments this year, I relied heavily on the journal article “The effects of over-reliance on AI dialogue systems on students' cognitive abilities: a systematic review”. It challenged the widespread belief that AI has a negative impact on students. As someone who hopes to study AI in the future in depth, I found this nuanced use of primary sources and critical interpretation invaluable. It reinforced the importance of questioning accepted narratives and digging into original texts.

My most substantial project was for FC300 Extended Project, where I produced a 3000-word essay on a topic of my choice,' Can Artificial Intelligence tutoring systems negatively impact students?' With multiple deadlines for proposal drafts, outlines, and revisions, I learned to balance this long-term research with studying for my exams in Mathematics, IT, and Statistics. I immersed myself in academic journals, kept meticulous notes, and refined my formal writing through iterative tutor feedback. The process not only deepened my subject-matter expertise but also boosted my confidence in managing complex, self-directed work. I am proud of the polished final product I submitted.

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At the University of Nottingham International College, having multiple exams in Mathematics, Information Technology, Statistics, and my Extended Project has driven me to sharpen my academic writing. With each essay, I have modelled my style on the scholarly articles I read. Whether diving into peer-reviewed journals or keeping up with high-quality outlets like The New York Times, and incorporating the detailed feedback my tutors provided, those revisions not only strengthened my arguments but also helped me practice clear pronunciation when discussing complex ideas in class. Reading widely remains my favourite way to discover new writing techniques and reinforce my structure and tone.

When it came to presentations, I reserved my most thorough preparation for the final defence of my Extended Project. Although the topic was deeply personal, which reflects on my year-long research process, I treated it like any high-stakes exam. I mapped out my structure, improved my signposts and linking phrases, and designed visually engaging slides. The result was a presentation I delivered with genuine confidence and passion, and one I plan to simulate in future modules.

Finally, email communication and student forums have become integral to my daily routine. What once made me second-guess every sentence now feels natural. I draft, proofread, and send messages to professors and peers with ease and professionalism. Likewise, online discussion boards have taught me to listen for different viewpoints and craft thoughtful replies, skills that have deepened my understanding of course material and helped me build a supportive academic network.

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At the University of Nottingham International College, I have not only absorbed core concepts across Mathematics, Information Technology, Statistics, and my Extended Project, but I have also applied whether by tackling complex problem sets, collaborating on group research, or delivering polished presentations.

As I move forward, I’ll carry that momentum into new challenges, such as approaching unfamiliar topics with confidence, collaborating with fresh teams knowing I bring proven skills, and guiding peers by sharing the strategies that earned me this recognition.

Ultimately, this badge motivates me to stay curious and resilient. When setbacks inevitably arise, such as a tough exam question or a buggy piece of software, I can draw on the knowledge and experience I have already demonstrated. In doing so, I will continue growing not only as a student and future professional but as a more adaptable, self-aware, and empathetic person.

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Earning the Pathways CareerSource “Learning & Productivity” badge signals that I have mastered not just content, but the underlying habits that turn information into real-world success.

In terms of knowledge, it shows I know how to set clear goals, identify the right resources, and absorb complex material efficiently.

When it comes to skills, this badge reflects strengths like time management, prioritisation, and self-motivation. I have demonstrated the ability to plan my study schedule around multiple exams in Maths, IT, Statistics, and project work, keeping deadlines in sight while still leaving room for review and revision.

The experience component is about applying those habits in varied contexts—group research sessions, debate preparations, presentation rehearsals—and learning from each. By repeatedly cycling through goal-setting, focused work sprints, and thoughtful review, I have built a toolkit that helps me tackle new challenges with confidence.

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Earning Life & Career Skills – Pathway to My Professional Life badge not only means I have built self-knowledge, practical abilities, and real-world experience needed to thrive beyond graduation. I have also explored different career pathways, which identify which industries, roles, and work environments align with your strengths and interests. I have learned about the milestones from now, which is university through to career launch, and I understand the kinds of qualifications, certifications, or portfolios employers value.

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Earning a Collaboration badge shows that I have not only worked with others, but that I have internalised what makes teamwork truly effective.

I have learned why bringing together different perspectives, whether from Mathematics problem-solving, IT brainstorming sessions, statistical analysis or your Extended Project, which leads to richer ideas and stronger solutions.

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Earning an Intelligence badge celebrates more than raw brainpower. It reflects a commitment to deep, curious, and strategic academic exploration. I have built a strong conceptual toolkit such as critical thinking, that lets me approach new topics with confidence and quickly understand advanced material.