A Journey Rooted In Confidence: From Kumon Student To Kumon Instructor
“Even if you currently do not have confidence in yourself, you should have confidence in the ‘you of tomorrow'”. -Toru Kumon
There’s something special about the moment in a child’s academic journey where confidence begins to take shape. Confident students begin to recognize their own potential and unlock a world of possibilities. In Kumon, confidence often grows through small but meaningful milestones, such as persevering through a challenging concept, completing 10 sheets without stopping, or developing your daily Kumon routine.
For some Kumon Students, those early moments of confidence quietly lay the foundation for something much bigger. For Gaby, Instructor and Kumon employee, the journey began not as an Instructor, but as a Kumon Student who lacked confidence, strongly disliked math, and was struggling in school. Gaby’s Kumon journey is one of heart and grit, shaping a passion for education that now allows her to make an impact on Kumon Students who were once just like her.
When Gaby was 13 years old, her mom enrolled her in the Kumon Math Program, recognizing that she needed additional academic support. After seeing how Kumon had helped Gaby’s sister thrive in reading, she believed the program could do the same for her. Gaby’s Kumon Instructor, Doris, immediately recognized that it was important to rebuild her foundational skills to unlock her confidence and potential.
Praise is a great way to motivate and empower students. In addition, meaningful feedback can also play an important role in the development of children. Specific praise helps nurture the confidence we see in self-learners and can help identify a child’s capabilities and give them something to build upon. Doris became Gaby’s cheerleader which motivated her to continue persevering through any challenge.
“My Kumon Instructor played the biggest role in my Kumon journey. She believed in me from the start, even when I didn’t believe in myself, and truly helped shape me into the person I am today,” said Gaby. “She celebrated every win and accomplishment, no matter how small, and never made me feel out of place for being in ninth grade while studying at Level D. Instead, she constantly told me how proud she was of me, and that encouragement made a huge difference.”
Throughout Gaby’s time enrolled in the Kumon Math Program, she continued to celebrate all the wins which influenced her confidence. From completing a new level, earning a new pouch, or even being awarded her Level J Completion plaque – Gaby continued to stay motivated and reach new heights by continuing to set goals. She went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics, which was entirely inspired by her Kumon journey. This was a huge accomplishment for her, especially because she went from disliking math at 13 years old to majoring in it in college a few years later. To this day, Gaby continues this mindset of confidence and perseverance that she credits to Kumon.
“Kumon literally taught me confidence. I owe so much of my academic and personal success to the program and to my time with Doris. It showed me a different side of myself, especially during my years as a student,” said Gaby. “One aspect of the program that has stayed with me is the self-study approach. Kumon really taught me how to analyze a problem and work through it on my own, even without much instruction, until I truly understood it. That skill has been invaluable throughout my academic career, particularly in college, and now in my job. I feel confident approaching new tasks with minimal direction, analyzing and figuring things out independently.”
The intangible skills that young Gaby gained from Kumon, shaped her future to present day as a Kumon Instructor. Her passion to build her students’ confidence and skills comes through her instruction and commitment to the Kumon Method. Gaby has the unique ability to put herself in her students’ shoes, especially older students that are struggling. With the same support and empathy Doris once showed her, she is able to open the door to possibilities for her students.
“I hope my story inspires families to invest in their child’s learning. Kumon completely changed how much I value learning, and because of that experience, I truly believe the program can benefit every child, no matter where they are academically,” said Gaby. “Whether a student is struggling or excelling, Kumon has the ability to meet them where they are and help them grow. Beyond academics, Kumon also opened doors for me and gave me a career, and I believe it can offer those same opportunities to students as well.”
Learn more about Gaby’s Kumon journey:
What inspired you to become a Kumon Instructor after being a Kumon Student yourself?
I really grew an appreciation for the Kumon Program and for what it did for me, especially through my experience with Doris. I wanted to give that same support back to other students, particularly those who were in a similar place to where I once was. I truly enjoyed my Kumon experience, learned to value education and learning, and wanted to share that with as many students as possible.
At what point did you realize you wanted to help guide other students the way you were once guided?
Definitely when I started working as a Center Assistant. Seeing firsthand how students started and grew as individuals through their Kumon work and Doris’ guidance made me realize I wanted to become an Instructor one day. I loved the fast-paced environment of the center and the structure and flow of a strong study environment.
Are there specific habits, lessons, or values from your time as a Kumon student that you now bring into your own instruction?
I place a strong emphasis on listening to my students because I want them to feel heard and seen, just as I did when I was a student at Doris’ center. I believe this is especially important in Kumon. I make it a point to communicate openly with my students, and when I need to speak with parents, I always let the student know first so they don’t feel blindsided or lose trust. My goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where every child feels seen and valued.
If you could say one thing to your younger self walking into Kumon for the first time, what would it be?
If I could tell myself one thing on my first day walking into Kumon, it would be that this experience is going to completely change your life. I would tell my younger self that one day I would end up studying mathematics in college—something she would have laughed at, because there was a time when I didn’t even know that was possible. I used to think that people who studied math, science, or anything in STEM had to be geniuses who never struggled, and that couldn’t be farther from the truth.