Kumon Jet-plane Achievers: Wayne Isaac and Weslene Irish Uy

There’s always something special about endings. The whole family celebrates when a member graduates from school. A track and field runner who crosses the finish line first throws his arms in the air in jubilation. That last gulp of soda is savoured, sending a surge of sheer satisfaction. But what makes each of these final moments special is the sum of experiences that lead to it.

For siblings Wayne Isaac and Weslene Irish Uy from the Barrio Obrero Center in Davao City, program completion is “a piece of the puzzle towards success.” Wayne completed both programs while Weslene finished Reading. A consistent Gold ASHR awardee for Math, Weslene is also well on her way to completing the Math program just like her older brother Wayne.

It is universal for all parents to wish for their children’s success and happiness. Rooted in this ideal, Mr. and Mrs. William Uy enrolled their three children in Kumon as a complement to their education in school. “I believe Kumon is a long-term program. I encouraged my children to complete it because of its long-term benefits,” Wayne and Weslene’s mother, Mrs. Arlene Uy, shared.

Wayne and Weslene are both exemplary students. Their journey to completion was not easy but they persevered through it all. Wayne managed to come to the center regularly despite his busy schedule at the Philippine Science High School – Southern Mindanao Campus (PSHS-SMC) where he is an incoming senior high school student. “During school vacations like Christmas and summer, he made it a point to do more worksheets than his regular load. He worked quietly and seldom complained even if the topics have become quite difficult,” Barrio Obrero Instructor Elmelita “Bing” Herrera said of Wayne. Wayne completed the Reading program in August 2005 and the Math program in December 2006.

Weslene is diligent and serious with her work. An incoming 3 rd year student also at the PSHS-SMC, she would take the opportunity to tackle additional workload during vacation. She found level K in Reading difficult but Weslene was persistent. With encouragement from Wayne, Teacher Bing, and her parents, she finished the last level in the program with an excellent score in the achievement test in April 2006. “I never let them stop Kumon. Whenever they want to quit, I tell them that Kumon will help them in the future,” Mrs. Uy emphasized.

Soon, it will be a triple-feat for the Uy family. Wendy Lyn Uy, the youngest in the brood, is also a consistent Gold ASHR awardee and is nearing program completion. Mrs. Uy advises her fellow Kumon parents to encourage their children to complete the program by reminding them of its long-term benefits. As with her children, the greatest benefit she saw in them was the determination to finish what one has started, focus on one’s goals and the academic achievements.