Kumon Student Sets Forth to Achieve Her Dream of Becoming President
Ava, 11-years-old, Math Level H 70
As a Girl Scout, 11-year-old Ava’s mission is to help those around her. Whether it’s volunteering at her local animal shelter, organizing food drives, or even tutoring her peers in school, Ava’s humanitarian spirit truly sets her apart. Ever since she enrolled in Kumon at an early age, she has shown the confidence to tackle any challenge.
“Kumon has definitely given me the confidence and the positive attitude needed to tackle any problem, along with the poise to understand that there is no problem without a solution,” said Ava. “The key is to have the patience to find it. I apply this same belief in all aspects of my life, at home, in social settings with my peers, friends, and while performing on stage.”
Ava serves on her Student Council, both as student representative and Vice President. She’s no stranger to public speaking and regularly performs in anti-bullying plays to spread awareness to her peers. It’s no surprise that she has her sights set on a bright future in politics.
“I have always dreamed and continue to nurture my ultimate goal to run for the highest office in the country, and someday hope to be the President of the United States of America! It’s a long way to that dream, but certainly one that I treasure,” said Ava.
“Along the way, I also plan to pursue a career in neurology. I’ve always been amazed by how the brain works and controls the rest of the body.
This is one of the reasons I chose my topic “O.M.G… School Stress Already?” for the 2020 School Science Fair Competition and received first place. The purpose of this experiment was to determine how activities can reduce stress and anxiety in school-going children.”
This past summer, Ava was one of 155 students from Canada, USA and Mexico who attended the Virtual Kumon Student Conference. The students had the opportunity to be inspired and motivated by Kumon Ambassadors, former top Kumon Students who are now excelling in their careers and extracurricular pursuits. They also met each other in virtual breakout rooms and engaged in a discussion about methods of teaching.
Ava shares with us the most beneficial thing she has learned in Kumon and reveals who her biggest inspiration is.
What do you enjoy most about Kumon?
I take great pride in being a Kumon Student. I believe it has given me the confidence to tackle any challenge fearlessly. Through Kumon, I have come to understand the concept of a good work ethic. My Kumon Instructor is very supportive, encourages a positive outlook and this in-turn helped me grow into the best version of myself.
How has Kumon helped you academically?
Committing to Kumon has taught me the life lesson of perseverance, and to never give up on achieving mastery in any skill no matter how hard it might seem. Practice simply makes perfect!
What’s the most beneficial thing you’ve learned in Kumon thus far?
I’ve been a Kumon Student since the age of four, so coming across challenging material is a given. What keeps me on track is the moment of elation that I feel when I suddenly realize that I have mastered a skill I thought was beyond me.
Tutoring my peers to help them understand difficult concepts gives me great satisfaction, reinforces my skills, and serves as a strong motivator. I try everything and learn from every experience good or bad. I devote myself to every task at hand both big and small. No task is ever too silly. I also love helping those around me and making friends.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
Former Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the pioneering Supreme Court Justice and trailblazer, has always been a woman I greatly admire and deeply respect. She fought for women’s rights throughout her career. Justice Ginsburg used her intelligence and voice to advocate for justice, and the advancement of women in all careers across the board!
How do you continue to stay motivated in Kumon even when your work becomes challenging?
My philosophy to try and try again allows me to focus when I don’t get the results I want. I simply can’t give up because sure enough, like clockwork, I still attend Kumon and complete my work until I get it right!
If you could sum up your Kumon experience in one word, what would it be?
Empowering.
Any other information you’d like to share about your Kumon journey?
Kumon empowers me and gives me the opportunity to control my future aspirations as I seek newer and higher ideals. Kumon supports me effortlessly in my path to excellence.