Why did you want to work together?

First of all, one of the main reasons I wanted to work together is to improve my English. It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while, and I realised that if I really want to make progress, I need more structured support rather than just relying on myself. Of course, there are plenty of online resources available, and I’ve tried learning through apps and videos before. But to be honest, my mindset still leans towards a more traditional way of learning. I feel that having a real person to interact with makes a big difference, especially when it comes to speaking and getting immediate feedback.

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Another reason is accountability. When I learn on my own, it’s easy to lose consistency or motivation over time. Working with someone gives me a sense of commitment and keeps me on track. I also think learning through conversation is more practical and engaging, compared to just passively consuming content.

What benefits has writing played in your life?

Writing has played a really important role in my life, especially in my work. I’m working in the finance industry and also running my own business, so communication is a big part of what I do every day. A lot of that communication happens through writing, whether it’s emails to clients, messages to banks, or internal communication with my team.

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For me, writing is not just about delivering information, but also about presenting a professional image. The way I write directly reflects how clients and partners perceive me and my company. Clear and well-structured writing helps build trust and credibility, which is very important in this industry.

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Overall, writing is a very practical tool for me. It supports both my daily work and long-term business development, and it’s something I continuously try to improve.

What are you reading at the moment? 

At the moment, I wouldn’t say I have a strong reading habit in terms of books. Most of my reading is actually focused on staying up to date with what’s happening in my industry. I regularly read news, updates, and articles related to finance and lending, because it’s important for my work and helps me stay informed about market changes, policies, and trends.

‍What did we work on together and how was the collaboration helpful?

We mainly worked on improving my writing, especially when it comes to emails. That includes correcting my grammar, adjusting my tone, and helping me express my opinions or explain situations more clearly. Since I use English a lot in my work, this has been very practical and directly useful.

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One thing I found really helpful is that it pointed out some of my bad writing habits that I didn’t realise before. For example, sometimes my sentences were not clear, or the tone wasn’t appropriate for a professional setting. Through this process, I became more aware of how small details can affect the overall message.

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The collaboration also helped me understand the importance of correct grammar, but more importantly, it helped me build a habit of learning. Instead of just fixing one email at a time, I started to think more about why certain expressions are better and how I can apply them in the future.

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Overall, it’s been a very practical and valuable experience, and I can see a clear improvement in how I communicate in English at work.

‍What improvements do you hope to make to your writing in the short term? And what are your goals longer term?

In the short term, my main goal is to become more confident with my grammar so I don’t have to constantly worry about whether what I’m writing is correct. Right now, I still spend time second-guessing my sentences, which slows me down. I’d like to reach a point where I can write more naturally and focus more on the message rather than the structure. I also want to be able to express my opinions more easily and clearly, especially in a professional context.

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In the longer term, I want to improve my vocabulary and overall expression. It’s not just about knowing more words, but about choosing the right words in different situations. I want my writing to feel more natural, more precise, and more flexible in tone. For example, being able to adjust between formal and casual writing depending on the context, and expressing ideas in a more nuanced way.

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Overall, I hope to build a writing style that is clear, professional, and also more expressive, so I can communicate more effectively in both work and everyday situations.

‍Do you think writing helps you to think critically? Why or why not?

Yes, I definitely think writing helps me think more critically. When I write, I need to organise my thoughts in a clear and structured way, rather than just thinking loosely in my head. It forces me to break things down and make sure the logic makes sense.

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I also need to consider the person who will read it. I try to make sure the recipient can clearly understand what I’m trying to say, so I often rephrase or rethink my ideas. In that process, I sometimes realise that my original thinking wasn’t clear enough or needed improvement.

Writing also slows down my thinking in a good way. Instead of making quick assumptions, I have to be more precise and deliberate with my words. That helps me look at things from different angles and avoid misunderstandings.

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Overall, I think writing is a very useful tool for developing critical thinking. It not only improves how I communicate, but also how I analyse and structure my thoughts.

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Thank you Eden!

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