First Impression... I was an English tutor then, when I first got to know about Kumon. Later, I found out that Kumon is a big organisation with more than four million students studying in centres in 45 countries around the world. But I was most attracted to the Kumon noble vision of "World Peace through Education." More importantly, the philosophy of "every child can excel" caught my attention as I was intrigued to find out how the Kumon Method of Learning will make this possible. Decision and Commitment... I made the decision to join the Kumon Franchise Orientation at the Kumon headquarters. The orientation was informative and at the end of it, I was really convinced that this was something I wanted to do. Then, there was not a Kumon centre in my area. I was the first to set up a centre. Despite having doubts and concerns, I was determined to set up a Kumon centre in my community. I knew that it would be quite challenging as not many people in my area knew about Kumon. However, I also knew it that it would be a rewarding job that would benefit my community. Contributing to the Community... It has been almost two years since I made the decision and I have no regrets being a Kumon instructor. I enjoy the journey tremendously. Every class day brings a renewed sense of joy and hope for me as I see the children become more confident.   I constantly witness the positive changes in children as they progress their Kumon materials. Parents are happy that their children are improving in academics. Their attitude towards studies has also changed. These feedbacks I received from parents assured me that I am at the right track. As the children grow, so do I. I am gradually letting go of preconceptions I have about children's abilities and trying to improve my instructional skills in order to pursue their potential. This is something that I never experienced in my previous teaching job. I learn that Kumon is indeed an organisation that cares for the well-being of children.   Discovery of Kumon... I accompanied my friend to the Kumon Franchise Orientation two years ago. At that time, I was an inexperienced mommy and I wanted to learn more on how to manage my two 'little monsters' at home. I used to be in the hospitality industry for 11 years. The job required me to travel, entertain and work at odd hours. With the strong support from my husband, I decided to become a Kumon instructor. Challenging and exciting... Being a Kumon instructor for nearly two years, I have two words to describe my lifestyle, 'challenging and exciting!' As an instructor, I play the 4-in-1 role; educator, mentor, role model and entrepreneur. I am no longer the mommy of my two little one but mom to all my students too. Needless to say, my priority lies in the guidance I can provide to my students. It can be challenging at times, but I know that love and care will do the trick. My husband's support and parents' appreciation on what I do keep me going. I believe as long as I have the passion and commitment in children, I will be successful in Kumon. My Vision ... I realise that I have learned a lot from children each day. It also makes me feel younger and energetic! I am working hard to make my centre a more comfortable place to learn and excel steadily. I envision my centre will provide love and care. I believe the Kumon Method of Learning will bring confidence and joy to each and every child.   I always believe that children, by nature, love to learn. I always admire their powerful learning abilities, especially during their early years. Before I had my first baby, I got myself ready by enhancing my knowledge. The more I learn the greater interest I have towards children’s education. I attended many good courses since then but yet to be convinced by one until I got to know Kumon. It has a method which enables children learn the right way! Simple yet practical, no hidden secrets; no sophisticated tools; just go back to the basics... When my daughter turned three years plus, I enrolled her in Kumon. It is not just leading her to the right track but providing great benefits to me as I have to carry out my roles as a Kumon parent. I realise my responsibilities and why parents’ involvements are important in their children’s future. I strongly believe that parents should first learn how to learn and guide, even before their child start learning! Last September, I celebrated my achievement of becoming a Kumon instructor and a mother of my third baby. It was really tough at the beginning to juggle between being a new instructor and at the same time ensure sufficient time for my family. My husband is understanding and kind. The support I receive from all my family members is my main motivator. Every class day is a new learning day for me, as I learn from the children as well as my assistants. I am also very happy that I can share what I believe in with more parents now. I need to work hard to ensure my centre provides positive changes in all parents in my community, which then brings great benefits and joy to their children. Equipped with my passion, guidance from my counterparts as well as support from Kumon Office, I believe I can become a better instructor!   I first heard about Kumon when I went to Penang for a holiday last year. I saw my niece doing her Kumon worksheets. I was very impressed by the way she attempted Kumon worksheets. She did it with appropriate speed and accuracy. My relative gave me a brief explanation about Kumon programme. I thought that the children in West Malaysia were so fortunate to have Kumon. I pitied the children in my community because there was not even one Kumon centre. At that juncture, it did not occur to me that I should get involved with Kumon because I was not thinking ‘out of the box’. Half a year later, I resigned from my 8 to 5 job. I wanted to venture into business. I had a few business plans in my mind and my husband gave a few suggestions too. After serious considerations, I made up my mind that I want to educate children and lead them to better paths. Besides I want to spend more time with my little boy and educate him properly. With my husband’s strong support, we gathered preliminary information about Kumon. Then, I attended Kumon Franchise Orientation and passed the tests and interview. It was a good start. Being a first time entrepreneur, I faced difficulties in preparations setting up my centre and dealing with the authorities initially. Earlier this year, I opened my centre in Bandar Indah, Sandakan, Sabah. It is the first and only centre in Sandakan. Although this is Sabah's second largest city, many people do not know what Kumon is or even heard of Kumon before. People in my community gradually get to know and accept Kumon very well with the coverage given in local newspapers, television, Internet and other reading materials. I am so glad to have understanding and tolerant (students’) parents. Educating parents is one of the important roles as a Kumon instructor. We believe in parental support and commitment because they can help their children progress smoothly in Kumon. I believe that every child has the right to an opportunity to pursue their potential. They have the rights to excel in their life, physically, emotionally and academically. This inspires me. I have come across students who are very weak in Mathematics. After a few months learning with Kumon method, their progress was tremendously well. It has inspired me to pursue and reach out to as many children as possible, so that they have a better future. Being a Kumon instructor is a challenging but rewarding job. I wish to nurture as many Kumon completers as possible and I want to be a step closer to nurture children with life skills; independent, discipline, with self-esteem, have dreams and goals and perseverance. Thus, contribute to the community. In the long run, what I do will benefit our children, our nation and our world. You can do it if you believe so!