Meet Vidhya Ganesh

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As a dedicated Kumon instructor, my passion lies in nurturing young minds and empowering them with a solid foundation in education. I wholeheartedly embrace Kumon’s message of fostering self-learning and academic independence in children. Through my experience, I’ve come to understand the importance of identifying and harnessing each child’s unique strengths to create an engaging and effective learning experience. Viewing challenges from a child’s perspective has allowed me to tailor my teaching approach and inspire a genuine love for learning. Beyond the classroom, I am determined to extend Kumon’s transformative message throughout the local community, enlightening parents and students about its benefits. The integration of digital Kumon into our center has been a game-changer, making the program accessible to a wider audience, particularly in the face of the pandemic. I have made a commitment to spreading the invaluable gift of education to as many young minds as possible.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Throughout my personal journey, I have come to deeply appreciate the virtues of patience, perseverance, and unwavering commitment. These qualities have been my guiding lights, propelling me through challenges and setbacks, ultimately leading me to growth and achievement. Some advice I share is the significance of understanding one’s goals and aspirations, for it is this that fuels a focused and purpose-driven path. Success is not something that just occurs overnight; rather, it emerges from a long-term perspective and persistent effort. It’s essential to recognize that overnight triumphs are rare, and true accomplishments require continuous dedication and hard work.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
The most pressing challenge I encounter as a Kumon instructor is witnessing the disheartening reality that some children, even up to 5th grade, struggle with basic reading skills. The pandemic caught a lot of schools off gaurd, leaving a void in proper education for numerous students. It’s upsetting to see that despite these gaps, some educational institutions remain hesitant to collaborate with external entities like Kumon. Our program uniquely emphasizes material retention, a crucial aspect often neglected in traditional schooling. Encouraging parents to take an active role and not solely rely on the school system is an ongoing struggle, as it requires shifting perceptions and fostering a sense of shared responsibility for a child’s educational journey. The journey to bridge these gaps and elevate children’s learning experiences remains a significant uphill battle.