Helping Others is in the Nature of This Dual Program Completer
Apphia, 13-years-old, Reading Program Completer & Math Program Completer
At 13-years-old, Apphia has quickly learned the value of hard work and continues to motivate herself even in the most challenging times. Her tenacity shines through on anything she puts her mind to. As a first-degree black belt in taekwondo and an accomplished cello player, Apphia continues to take pride in her extra-curricular activities.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about the accolades for Apphia. Her true nature and spirit are giving back to others in any way she can.
Apphia’s parents enrolled her in Kumon when she was only five years old. At an early age, she gained an academic edge over her peers and credits Kumon for shaping her into becoming an altruistic individual.
“I feel proud when I’m a helpful person. Kumon has shaped me into the person I am today,” said Apphia.
“I like helping people and I think it’s a part of my nature. I help in many ways from just simply holding a door to taking care of babies. In taekwondo, I help younger kids learn and review new techniques. In church, I help by taking care of the infants while the parents are attending service. In school, I usually help people with their work. At Kumon, I put homework in the students’ folders. Those are the many ways I help, and I am proud of it. Without helping others, the world would be a bad place.”
Throughout the years, Apphia has become passionate about learning biology, anatomy, and genetics. Although she’s unsure of what the future holds for her career, she believes a future in the medical field is the perfect fit for her. Apphia envisions herself continuing to help others throughout her life.
Apphia’s accomplishments were recognized as she was one of 56 students selected for Kumon’s 3rd Annual Student Conference in Chicago, Illinois.
“I was so ecstatic when I found out I was selected,” said Apphia. “I didn’t believe it at first and read the email several times. It didn’t seem real, but I was really happy that I got selected to attend the Student Conference.”
Apphia and the rest of the attendees were celebrated for their accomplishments and encouraged to aspire to become individuals who tackle some of the world’s challenges.
“I really enjoyed my time at the Student Conference. If I had to choose my favorite part, it would be the escape room activity,” said Apphia. “It was so nice to solve puzzles with my fellow peers that I had so much in common with! It was nice to challenge each other, and I really liked meeting Mino Tanabe, the President of Kumon North America, Inc.”
Apphia shares advice to Kumon Students around the world and what she enjoys most about Kumon.
What do you enjoy most about Kumon?
I really enjoy that students can learn at their own pace. Kumon allows us students to be able to do things at our own steady pace. You never go too fast or too slow. It’s also nice to learn academically to keep up with school and to also get ahead of our peers. These are the two things that I enjoy most about Kumon.
How has Kumon helped you outside of the classroom?
Kumon has helped me in and out of the classroom, and it reminds me that I can take on big challenges.
How do you continue to stay motivated?
I motivate myself by setting a game plan for the day. After I come back from school, I take out my planner and write down all of the stuff I have to accomplish for the day. Then, I make time slots for each task allowing me time to still complete my Kumon Worksheets. When I get stuck on a challenging question, I turn to my sister for help since she has already completed the Kumon Math Program.
If you could sum up your Kumon experience in one word, what would it be?
Strengthening.
What’s your favorite book and why?
My favorite book is “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” by J.K. Rowling. I like the whole series, but this particular book stood out the most to me. The important lesson of the book is to persevere even when you fail.
Who’s your biggest inspiration and why?
My biggest inspiration is Suji Kang. One day, I hope I can be in her place and win a lot of taekwondo events like she did. I want to be especially good at poomsae and make it to the world championships for taekwondo like Suji Kang.
What advice would you give to kids just starting Kumon?
A piece of advice I would give to students starting Kumon, is to persevere and go at it. It might be too hard or too easy, but just do the work that you’re assigned. The end result will please you, and you will be proud of what you have accomplished. Just do what you are doing and keep going.