Student Testimonials Vol.2

MAI LU DANG KHOA

Completing the Kumon Math Program is not an easy journey but rather, a rewarding one. In order to reach the final destination, the most important attribute students need to develop is perseverance to pursue and complete what they have started. Only students who completed the Kumon Program can truly understand the great satisfaction that comes from being able to set goals and achieve these targets by themselves. On completing the program, students can proudly say, “I always try my best without giving up” and “I am ready for new challenges.”

Started

10 years old

Mai Lu Dang Khoa is a student familiar with this sentiment. He enrolled in Kumon with a starting point of Level B1 equivalent to Grade 2 Math Program when he was in Grade 4. Despite his initial surprise in doing addition and subtraction with 2 and 3-digit numbers again, Khoa was very patient to finish his worksheets; and after nearly six months he began to advance ahead of his school grade level. His achievement was beyond his family’s expectation, with their original aim to have Khoa improve his calculation skills and gain independence through Kumon.

When talking to Khoa, he gives the impression of a boy with a quiet demeanor, but with a great passion for Math. Through Kumon, his passion has motivated him to complete the Math Program. Of his achievement, Khoa said, “During Kumon study I have never wanted to quit”. This was most apparent in his regular visits to the Kumon Center where he would study without needing help. When starting to study new concepts, he would always try to think by himself first before asking his Instructor for help. With the ability to quickly gain an understanding in solving the problems with concentration, Khoa was able to finish high levels within the program without many repetitions. To drive his advanced learning further, he would set a study schedule for himself and aim to finish all his tasks by a set time: 30 minutes during the lower levels and about one hour daily to study of the higher level worksheets. Thanks to his determination and perseverance, within two years and four months, Khoa was able to complete the Kumon Math Program. On reflection, he said, “Level O is not my stop, I still want to discover more new things in Level X.” (Level X is an optional level equivalent to advanced Math at university). For Khoa, completing Level O is not only completing the Kumon Math Program but also a source of motivation for him to conquer new challenges in future.

Khoa is now a Grade 7 student of Tran Dai Nghia High school for gifted students. Here his achievements span not only his advanced ability in Math, but also a range of other subjects like English, for which he has maintained good school results. After completing Level O, Khoa’s next goal is to finish Level X and to be admitted into advanced Math class at his school. Contrary to his timid nature when he first started Kumon, he is now very confident in joining a range of school activities such as football and basketball. Khoa and his family also look after the community and often spend time helping less fortunate people through various social activities. Through these meaningful deeds, he has gained awareness of the community around him. By this token, Khoa’s dream is to become a scientist who will invent devices to help benefit people and the environment.

Khoa’s story is a great reminder to always keep in mind that winners never quit and quitters never win. Don’t ever hesitate to set goals for yourselves and make your dreams come true.