Niti's Story, Kumon of Des Plaines
If you would have asked me 12 years ago what I would consider to be an endearing and major aspect of my life, Kumon would probably be non-existent in my list of choices. Like any other student, I never pleaded my parents to sign me up for this program—they did it out of their longing for a better future for me. However, I will not sugarcoat any facts: I was always an ambitious girl. While I was completely indifferent about starting the program, I put my emotions aside and faced reality: “I’m here now, so how can I be the best?”
This question always motivated me to persevere through the toughest times during my Kumon experience. I was never satisfied with just getting the right answer; rather, I chased the knowledge and conceptual parts of each topic. Looking back, I believe this is why I was so successful in the program. Sometimes it is easy to just get caught up in trying to finish the assignment, rather than actually taking a step back and seeing how all the dots connects. However, it is a process that is learned with time and dedication. It took me 7 years to finish the mathematics program and 4 years to finish the reading program, but all those years were filled with motivation and an ambitious spirit to learn for the enjoyment of learning and to see the big picture of everything.
But success, in my perspective, isn’t just completing the program, but also includes the application of those newly honed skills. It was through these skills, that I was able to maintain a superb academic record all throughout high school and score a 34 on the ACT. It was also through Kumon of Des Plaines, in particular, and my instructor, Veronica Leitner, that I was able to apply the knowledge and skills that I had gained from the program to help others not just in the center, but also in my surrounding community. My instructor gave me the ability to be a role model for future Kumon students by allowing me to be a mentor and leader in the Kumon Center. Through this opportunity, I was able to develop superb communication and leadership skills, which has only helped me in securing my future goals, including receiving a full tuition scholarship at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana.
At the end of the day, there will always be a multitude of success stories out there to be inspired by. Kumon will always have a major impact on my life, through all the direct and indirect opportunities I have gained from my experience. However, ultimately, success is up to you. The opportunities are limitless, but it’s up to you to go out there, seek them, and take full advantage of them.