Aspiring Architect Reminds Himself To Never Give Up
Rodean, 11-years-old, Math Level M, Reading Level III
11-year-old Rodean loves the game of basketball and looks to his favorite professional player for inspiration. Kyrie Irving, point guard for the Boston Celtics, set a precedent early in his career. Performance analysists often praise Irving for his exceptional ball handling skills and quick cross overs – proving he has a high level of focus in every game. It’s not just Irving’s superior athleticism he’s known for, it’s his commitment through any challenge. Irving’s current and former teammates say he is a leader, whether he’s in practice or playing in the NBA Finals – raising the morale of the team even through defeats.
Looking up to his role model, Rodean is always determined to never give up, especially during challenging moments. During one of Rodean’s basketball games, his teammates wanted to give up when they were on the brink of a loss, but Rodean was not going to let his team down.
“During this tough game, I noticed my teammates were on the verge of giving up,” said Rodean. “It was that very moment when I remembered what I was taught in Kumon – to never give up. I knew I couldn’t give up during this moment. I motivated my team and they followed suit, leading us to victory.”
Rodean began his Kumon journey when he was only 7-years-old and has since transformed into a strong-willed student that can take on any challenge. Already studying above grade level, he has an academic edge over his peers. In the Kumon Math Program, he is further developing his algebraic skills working on the Pythagorean Theorem and multiplication of polynomials. Thanks to the Kumon Reading Program, he is reading more advanced novels and has strong comprehension skills. Rodean has analyzed high school-level literature such as Ray Bradbury’s notable dystopian novel, Fahrenheit 451 and Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray.
Whether he’s solving a challenging quadratic equation or working on his layups in basketball – he is determined to always work through it. He often recalls his Kumon Instructor Virgil Raban and his parents encouraging him saying, “never give up!”
When Rodean is not dribbling up and down the court, he enjoys swimming, playing baseball, and skiing. As a budding musician, Rodean is disciplined in his practice, currently preparing the level 4 piano curriculum through the Royal Conservatory of Music. The Royal Conservatory of Music sets a national standard for young musicians, putting them on the path for musical excellence. The curriculums for each level include a range of advancing repertoire, techniques, musicianship, and music literacy – elements considered to lay down a successful foundation in musicians.
Rodean’s hard work and discipline didn’t go unnoticed, as he was one of 55 students selected to attend the 2018 Kumon Student Conference in Calgary, Canada. We had the opportunity to speak to Rodean about his Kumon journey.
How has Kumon helped you academically?
Kumon has helped me academically because I am now ahead of my peers in school. I have become an independent learner, which helps me get through my school work more efficiently.
If you could sum up your Kumon experience in one word, what would it be?
Amazing.
What do you enjoy most about Kumon?
I love that I am always learning something new in Kumon.
What keeps you motivated in Kumon?
My Kumon Instructor and parents always continue to motivate me, and I use that as a constant reminder to myself if I want to give up.
What did it mean to you attending the Student Conference?
Attending the Student Conference meant a lot to me. My hard work has paid off and I now see the success!
What advice do you have for other Kumon Students?
My advice for other Kumon Students is to not give up just as I did. You will have challenging moments, but it will help you grow and lead you to having a successful future.
Rodean’s academic ability and unwavering determination will aide him in his future aspiration of becoming an architect.