Young Soccer Star Gains Competitive Edge in the Classroom
Abigail, 13-years-old, Math Level L
It’s no secret that participating in any sport on a competitive level takes a particular sort of person. An individual must possess extreme determination, motivation, perseverance, and focus. 13-year-old Abigail is no stranger to any of those attributes and can attest to the fact that they all play a crucial part in developing herself. Abigail spends much of her time strengthening her skills on the soccer field, as she’s a member of the coveted Elite Club National League team.
Abigail leverages those same qualities in the classroom, where she is equally as committed to be the best student she can be. Besides serving on the student council, she regularly helps her peers master concepts they are learning in class. Abigail has gained a competitive edge over her peers through the Kumon Math Program, and is studying three years above grade level.
“Kumon has helped me academically by getting me ahead of my classmates in studies especially math, by making things way easier for me to understand, and by allowing me to be efficient when solving a problem and persevering through it,” said Abigail.
Since Abigail is studying years beyond grade level, she is able to complete her homework quickly – leaving ample time to focus on her extracurricular passions. Off the soccer field, she also enjoys singing and participating in community service after school each day.
As far as career aspirations go, Abigail hopes to become a professional soccer player one day. If that doesn’t work out, she aims to pursue a career as an aerospace engineer, software engineer, or a biomedical engineer. Abigail credits her drive and ability to overcome challenges to her time spent in Kumon.
“The thing I enjoy most about Kumon is the challenges that it brings me,” said Abigail. “I love it when a challenge arises and how I’m able to navigate the problem – it makes me feel accomplished.”
Abigail was one of 56 young Kumon Students from across North America that was selected to attend Kumon’s 3rd Annual Student Conference. She traveled to Chicago, Illinois for a day of critical thinking, connecting, and learning with innovative Kumon Students that are just like her.
Abigail shares with us highlights from her Kumon journey and reveals who her inspiration is.
How has Kumon helped you outside of the classroom?
Kumon has helped me outside the classroom by teaching me how to persevere through difficult problems and navigating time management. Both are a key aspect when growing up and becoming an adult in real work situations. Being able to persevere through a problem is great life skill and it has taught me to maintain a good work ethic. Time management comes into play when I have to balance school, soccer, and Kumon all at the same time. It has taught me to do work on a certain schedule to make me stress less.
What achievements are you most proud of?
Two achievements that I am most proud of are making it onto the ECNL (Elite Club National League) Team for my club, and being able to go to the Kumon Student Conference.
What advice would you give to kids just starting Kumon?
My advice I would give to kids that are just starting Kumon would be to just stick with it. You might not like doing it at times, but you will see your results in the long run, just be patient.
If you could sum up your Kumon experience in one word, what would it be?
If I could sum up my Kumon experience in one word it would be challenging because I have been learning new, difficult, and challenging things at Kumon at a fast pace.
What was your experience like at the Student Conference, and what was your favorite part?
My experience at the Student Conference was great! I really liked meeting new students from all around the U.S.A and even from Canada and Mexico. It was super cool to see that they are just like me. My favorite part of the conference was when the guest speakers spoke and when we got to hear from Kumon North America’s President, Mino.
Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My biggest inspiration is my dad, because he is very smart and overall just a good person. He has a big heart and can always make people laugh and he has a good work ethic as well. He has this saying when I want to do something and want to do it well he would say, “Don’t say it, just do it,” and that has stuck with me for a very long time. I want to be successful like him one day.