Motivation is the Key to this Kumon Student’s Success
Christine, 14-years-old, Level O Math, Reading Program Completer
Christine’s parents enrolled her in Kumon when she was just three years old. Now, 11 years later, she has completed the entire Kumon Reading Program and is on the last level of the Kumon Math Program. When asked the biggest benefit she has received from Kumon, she confidently states “self-motivation.”
Christine is the first person to admit that Kumon hasn’t been easy, but she’s quick to say that she’s been able to achieve success because of the motivation and self-confidence that she has developed in the program.
In regards to that success—to say that Christine has a bright future ahead of her would be a massive understatement. She performed in the top 1% by achieving a score of 760 on the math SAT when she was just 12-years-old. At age 13, Christine scored a perfect 800 on SAT Math. She was accepted into John Hopkins University’s Study of Exceptional Talent (SET) Program and was just one of a hundred students accepted into Stanford University’s online high school, where she took a physics class and received Science Department Honor last year. This year, Christine is taking a computer science course at Stanford Online High School.
Because of her accomplishments both in-and-out of the classroom, Christine was one of
Christine shakes hands with Kumon North America President Mino Tanabe at the 2018 Kumon Student Conference.
56 Kumon Students from the United States, Canada and Mexico to attend the 2018 Kumon Student Conference.
She talks about her journey with Kumon.
How has Kumon helped you beyond academics?
Kumon has really been an integral part of my life. It has helped me develop problem solving skills. Working on Kumon worksheets on my own has taught me to persevere and to thrive on new challenges. Kumon taught me to have self-confidence whenever I encounter new problems or questions.
What keeps you motivated in Kumon?
I get a lot of self-confidence and sense of accomplishment whenever I figure out new concepts. I love figuring out new ideas and expanding my knowledge base. I like to discuss the latest concepts that I’ve learned from Kumon with my math teachers at school.
What was your favorite part of the 2018 Kumon Student Conference?
I really enjoyed seeing and listening to the panelists of Kumon Program completers. All four of them were a unique inspiration for me and I really appreciated listening to each of their stories. Listening to them talk about how Kumon helped change their lives left me very inspired.
What is something new you learned at the 2018 Kumon Student Conference?
Everyone has a unique perspective, which gives everyone the right to have unique opinions. It’s important to see and respect how everyone has their own unique potential. 
How has Kumon helped you in the classroom?
Kumon has really helped me with motivation. Learning to be self-motivated and to find what you love and do what you love.
What do you hope to accomplish with Kumon?
My goal with Kumon has always been to achieve the necessary foundation and skillsets needed to really help me see my inner potential and what I need to achieve my goals and to change the world. I really want to help make the world a better place. Kumon has given me the skillsets to help people in the future.
What advice do you have for other Kumon students?
Never give-up. Find what you love and do it! When you feel like you are having a tough time, but you know that’s what you love to do, then just stick with it. Everyone goes through failures. They make you a better person and make you stronger. Motivation is the key to your success.