I started Kumon at the age of 11. I can still remember vividly the day I took the Kumon diagnostic test. My instructor, Mr. Kenny Chin, observed that I was counting with my fingers. He said that in Kumon, students do not finger count. At that moment, my mind went blank. How could anyone count without the aid of fingers? Mr. Kenny Chin apparently, sensed my anxiety as signs of panic were registered all over my face. He said, “Don’t worry, E-Lynne, You just try your best to do it. You’re here to learn.” I can remember these words very well although they were said seven years ago.

My grades have improved tremendously in school. I have learned to think rationally and be more analytical in my decision-making. I am also able to comprehend complex texts and express my views and thoughts well and more logically. I appreciate the life skills that I have acquired in the process of learning with Kumon - the self-learning and never give up spirit and practice makes perfect. They have made me a stronger person.

I am now more confident in realising my ambition as a doctor. Kumon has taught me to be independent, disciplined and persevere when face life challenges. There will always be ups and downs in life. I have learned to take them in my own stride for it takes rain and sunshine to make a rainbow.

I want to be a doctor because I want to contribute to human kind. Like Kumon, I want to contribute towards the realisation of world peace and free the world from dreadful diseases. I would like to volunteer and travel to poor countries to help them.

I would like to thank my beloved parents, my Kumon instructor, and all my teachers in Ipoh Garden Centre for their guidance, support and encouragement. They all have helped me in achieving better academic results and becoming a better person.

I started my Kumon journey six years ago at Bandar Baru Ampang Centre. I can still vividly remember that both my younger brothers were far ahead of me in their Kumon studies. They enrolled a few months earlier than I did.

Well, doing Kumon worksheets is like climbing a mountain. The higher I climb, the more things there are for me to see and appreciate. Initially passages were short and questions were straightforward. However, as I advanced to higher levels, everything seemed to be harder and tougher to solve, as the roads up the mountain appeared to be much bumpier than before. I had to face with many obstacles.

Now, I realise that such training strengthens my willpower, endurance and determination. I have built a solid foundation to place me in a comfortable position for my future undertakings. Overall, I would say, my Kumon journey was challenging yet rewarding. Of course, I would not have completed this journey as a Kumon student without support from my parents and my instructor.

My latest accomplishment is scoring 12 A1’s in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia last year. Apart from having consistent revision, one of the main reasons for this success was that I could focus my energy on subjects other than English and Mathematics. I could allocate more time to tackle my weaker subjects.

I had the advantage because I did not have to worry about my Mathematics and English. I was doing ahead of my school syllabus. Understanding Additional Mathematics concepts was a breeze. Indirectly, I gained loads of confidence from this too.

This year, I am the Mission Team Leader of Kumon Malaysia Completers Club. I am proud and honoured to be part of it as opportunities for me to contribute to the society are abundance. For instance, I am involved in talks conducted by completers themselves as a way of inspiring more students to be completers.

Besides, I do take part in voluntary work at Sungai Long Buddhist Society every Sunday. Most of the time, I help out in the administration matters. I am also the co-facilitator of the Dhamma Class, which is a class for children to learn Buddha’s teachings. I enjoy being a volunteer as I gain satisfaction and joy by giving and sharing.

My Kumon journey was one with its ups and downs.

When I first started the programme, I have to admit I was rather reluctant to do it. But I know this was just another thing my mother would talk me into joining. Little did I know that it will bring me this far.
 
Ever since I started the programme, I discovered that I have a flair for the English language. Thanks to the strong discipline and study ethics I have gained from Kumon has helped me in my major examinations. I scored straight A’s in both my Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah and Penilaian Menengah Rendah examinations.

Now I am more aware of my strengths and weaknesses. I have also made many new friends in the school prefects’ board. Due to the nature of a prefect’s job, I am more confident in dealing with people. I need to be tactful in approaching my peers.

Currently, I am an active member of my school's St. John Ambulance. I hope to contribute to the society by being part of St. John Ambulance. Earlier this year, I have helped collect funds for the St. John Ambulance Flag day. It is a charity event that lasted a month. I have also joined a number of public first aid duties to help provide first aid in risky events such as sports days and charity food carnivals.
 
I have participated in various activities organised by Kumon Malaysia Completers Club. I have improved my self-esteem and shaped my character to fit into an increasingly globalised world.