Student Testimonials Vol. 18
Embracing life’s challenges through Kumon
Joyce Tiam Lee
Kumon gave me that attitude, particularly through three aspects. TIME MANAGEMENT, DETERMINATION and COURAGE
- Subject/s:
- Math and Reading
- Started:
- 9 years old (Grade 3)
The first few years of my Kumon journey were fine. Being that eager kid, I would finish all my worksheets ahead of time, looking forward to going to the Center. But as the years passed and as I tackled higher levels, I constantly found myself stuck in thought—a pencil in hand—doubting every word needed for a critical analysis, and every number or symbol required for a calculus problem. You might wonder why I chose to push through. Honestly, there isn't just one answer. I guess it's because Kumon became a part of me, and it changed me in a number of ways I couldn't imagine.
Kumon definitely gave me more than I bargained for. Initially, I admit that my motivation for staying rooted from the idea of Kumon giving me an advantage with regard to my studies—my utmost priority. However, it was during my third year in high school when I realized grades aren’t really everything—that numbers do not define how great a person is. Attitude does – attitude with regards to how I accomplish things, how I face challenges, and how I get things done. Kumon gave me that attitude, particularly through three aspects.
The first aspect is TIME MANAGEMENT. Beginning third year in high school, I realized it was through my organizations that I could best develop my potential. My high school organizations allowed me to go beyond what was expected of me. More importantly, these organizations inspired me to become a leader, even in the smallest of ways. Of course, as the famous line mentioned in a Spider Man movie goes: “With great power comes great responsibility.” I have to admit that it was a constant struggle to oversee the progress of our school paper, attend training thrice a week, go to our school’s sister community every Saturday, and finish my schoolwork and Kumon work among all my activities. I’m not saying I did it without flaws. It was a work in progress, and it really took practice to get things right.
Another virtue that Kumon taught me is DETERMINATION. One’s life is never without hardships. Like everyone else, I get tired when I push myself too much, when I bite off more than I can chew. I feel discouraged when I fail, I feel like giving up when everything piles up. Sometimes, I became blinded by these failures and failed to understand that Kumon does not only let me sharpen my skills, rather, it instilled in me the will to continue amidst the difficulties. Perseverance. Persistence. Patience
Lastly, Kumon helped me develop COURAGE. Reaching higher levels in the program, without a doubt, required more time and effort, urging me to just quit. What I failed to see was how every mistake, flaw, and failure allows me to learn and gain in wisdom and insight. Kumon taught me to have the courage to face both the ups and downs that the journey would take me to.
I may only be in my first year in college and I still have a lot to learn as life unfolds, but one thing is for certain. Whatever challenges and obstacles come my way, I know that I will be able to overcome and surpass them because of all the knowledge and wisdom I’ve gained in my Kumon journey. Kumon is not just a tool for learning; it is a lifestyle, a commitment and an experience worth my time and effort.
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