Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Stephenson
Hi Mary, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My Kumon learning journey started in my elementary school years when I was a Kumon student as well. I remember my mom bringing my younger brother and I to Kumon twice a week till we finished the program. Being young then I didn’t realize the value and the positive impact it would have on me later in life. As I grew older I look back and have more appreciation of what I learned throughout my Kumon learning journey. Beyond learning math and reading, some of the things that Kumon made me realize is that practice makes possibilities, patience and perseverance are tough but are powerful allies, and mistakes and failures are actually your real friends. Real friends in that they challenge growth for the better and gives an opportunity to learn. One of my favorite quotes from Mr. Toru Kumon is “Teach a child fractions and he succeeds at fractions. Make a child a better learner and he succeeds in life.”
After serving in the Air Force Reserves for a few years I decided to pursue my Ed.D in Education. I received my degree in St. Thomas University in Miami, FL. I always had in the back of my mind that I wanted to help improve learning or help a child in their learning journey. And that is how I decided to become a Kumon Instructor. I remembered when I was a student how it helped me through school and taught me valuable skills as well. I wanted to share this method with my community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It was definitely a journey for growth as a person. Just building your business and getting started was a bit scary because of the uncertainties, the waiting to get approved with permits and such, and making sure you had enough money to start and to be able to continue. And that feeling will always be there. There is that fear inside of taking the risk, but it is ok. Great things always feel like that. That just means you are challenging yourself as a person to get out of your comfort zone and be the person you want to be to the fullest potential. I always tell myself one day at a time, you got this.
We’ve been impressed with Kumon Math & Reading Center of Jacksonville -REGENCY (M.S. Stephenson Learning Academy LLC.), but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
For more than 60 years, Kumon’s after-school academic enrichment program in Math and Reading that has helped children achieve success worldwide. We strive to instill in children the desire to achieve and the motivation to learn on their own. Whether your child is seeking enrichment, needs help catching up or is just beginning his or her academic career, Kumon is designed to help him or her develop a love of learning.
At Kumon, we strive to help students become self-learners. We place great value on the ability to study independently, and encourage students to discover how to solve problems for themselves with out asking for the answer. Through doing exercises on their own students gain confidence in their studies and develop the desire to advance further.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Sharing tips about being a small business owner and sharing each other’s journey
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