Kumon Student’s Documentary Earns 2020 C-SPAN StudentCAM Contest
Katherine Padilla – a.k.a. “Nanimakamae” 16 years old, Kumon Math Program Completer
For a second year in a row, Katherine Padilla and her peers were recognized for their political documentary submitted into C-SPAN’s StudentCAM Contest. After placing second last year, these talented students earned the title as 2020 StudentCAM Contest Western Division Champions.
The production of this award-winning documentary was a rewarding experience and touched on crucial topics like campaign finance and political corruption. “I found it was a great opportunity to interact with community leaders, professors, and politicians that help shape our laws and policies,” says Katherine.
The accomplishment isn’t the first of Katherine’s culturally based awards. Her first award in a language-based competition dates to 2018 when she first started attending the Japanese Language School of Long Beach and placed first in the 2018 Japanese Speech Contest. She also won third place at the 2020 Japan Bowl of California, which is a Japanese Language & Culture Team Competition for high school students.
The Japanese language has always been special to Katherine. Not only is she able to communicate in Japanese but she is intrigued by learning about the culture and background. In the summer of 2018, her family had the opportunity to host a cultural exchange student from Japan. Her exchange student, Himawari, was from the city of Yokkaichi, which is in Mie prefecture.
“Meeting her opened my eyes to new perspectives. Since my Japanese and her English were not perfect, we had to communicate on the basic human level of body language and learn each other’s languages along the way,” says Katherine.
“Hima taught me the value of trust and how to be a more tolerant person. Her visit had such an impact on the whole family. She fueled our curiosity and motivation to go to Japan and learn more about her culture as she did with mine.”
Katherine has always been inspired by learning. For this reason, she considers The Kumon Method essential to daily life, especially when someone is preparing to enter the workforce.
“Being able to figure out solutions to a problem in Kumon can parallel problem solving in the real world,” says Katherine.
At Kumon, our mission aims to foster sound, capable individuals who are able to independently carve out a path for themselves in life. Katherine does just that.
Get to know a bit more about Katherine’s Kumon experience and her future goals below:
How has Kumon helped you academically?
In school, I do not even have to worry about my math classes anymore. After studying with Kumon for eight years, if there is a new concept in math class, I am either quick to remember it from Kumon, or pick it up from the example in less than a couple of minutes.
How has Kumon helped you outside of the classroom?
The quick math skills I learned from Kumon make it easier for me to shop in stores. Whenever my mom and I compare sale prices, I calculate.
Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My biggest inspiration is my dad who is a Software QA Engineer. He is tech savvy and always up to date with technology. When I grow up, I would also like to still be in touch with the latest trends like my dad. He is also somewhat of a “nerd” and has influenced me into gaming and famous comic franchises.
What advice would you give to kids just starting Kumon?
When you first start progressing in Kumon, it will get more difficult. Just know that the learning process will take time, but ultimately, it will all be worth it. All the hours of work you do currently, and in the future, will be beneficial to you now and long into your academic career.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
When I grow up, I want to be working at Google as a computer software engineer. If not Google, then a technology company in Japan.
What are some activities you enjoy doing outside of school and Kumon?
Outside of school and Kumon I like to dance hula, read, draw, paint, cook, bake, watch anime, play video games with my brother, and read manga.