Hard Work is Among the Core Values of this Bright Kumon Student

Claire, Math Level L

Family stories are the best. Especially the ones that make you laugh, smile, and bring to life many unforgotten memories. Claire’s favorite story is her grandfather’s. Since graduating high school, Claire’s grandfather has never stopped working. Starting out with nothing but the clothes on his back, he worked hard for a brighter future. He is now able to live a comfortable and fulfilled life after seeing all four of his children graduate college, get married, and have children.

Hard work has always been a core value in Claire’s family. It’s one that has been embedded in the foundation of her character.

“In my life, I feel the proudest of myself for my character. Although I remain proud of my academic abilities and extracurricular achievements, all of these would not be possible without a firm foundation of exceptional character,” says Claire.

Claire’s persistence and valor has led her to participate in regional math competitions and even to become a National Finalist at MathCON 2018 in Chicago. She’s also been a committed member of the Union Symphony Prelude Orchestra, and has earned the opportunity to serve as co-concertmaster.

Her devotion to her family and their core value has allowed her to always give her 110% in anything that she accomplishes, including at Kumon. These past five years in Kumon have been very valuable to Claire. She always aims to gain more than only academic skills from her assignments.

“Kumon has helped me gain outside of the classroom skills such as time management and grit. Although Kumon is an educational program, the life skills it pushes its students to develop are the true lasting impacts of the program,” says Claire.

In 2019, Claire was among 56 students that were chosen to attend Kumon’s Annual Student Conference.

“When I first found out I was selected to attend the student conference, I was shocked but ecstatic. I counted the days down until I would be flying to Chicago to have a once in a lifetime experience,” says Claire.

Continued hard work and exceptional character will help bring to life her hope for a brighter future.  Claire shares how she’s benefited from Kumon and what she intends to do with her knowledge:

What achievements are you most proud of?

Some of the achievements I am most proud of are making it into the final round of MathCON 2018, being awarded both the state and grand recognition medals for my SAT score at Duke TIP and being a member of the Youth Orchestras of Charlotte.

If you could sum up your Kumon experience in one word, what would it be?

The one word I would use to sum up my Kumon experience would be “meaningful.” I feel that this word encompasses both the academic and life skills I have learned through Kumon, clearly showing how much I value the program.

What is your favorite book and why?

My favorite book is Gone with the Wind by Mitchell Macmillan. This book which tells the story of the Civil War through the Southern perspective has taught me a lot about the difference a point of view makes. I have learned through this book to become more critical of information I receive, making sure not to blindly believe all information that is given to me. This book also has an intriguing plot, that involves the tremendous growth of the main protagonist, Scarlett O’Hara. I have always enjoyed books in which the protagonist develops as a person, as they allow me to develop myself.

What do you think of Kumon’s method of thinking for oneself?

I am a firm believer in Kumon’s method of thinking for oneself. Although at first I struggled with the concept of self-learning, I now know how beneficial it can be. Compared to my other peers at school who have not been exposed to the Kumon Program, I am able to grasp skills faster in all subjects, through self-learning. Therefore, I am grateful to Kumon not only for allowing me to achieve excellence in math but for helping me to develop a life skill that will last me through adulthood.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

When I grow up I want to major in biology and become either a cardiologist or a general surgeon.