Meet Aeshan, the Trailblazing Kumon Completer
When Aeshan first joined the Kumon Edinburgh, Corstorphine Study Centre, with Instructor Kanika Paterson, he wasn’t sure how far he could go. Today, he is proud to be a Kumon Completer – a milestone that only a small number of students reach. Aeshan’s journey to completing the Kumon Maths Programme is a testament to his resilience, discipline, and ambition.
A Journey of Self-Discovery
Aeshan’s family had first heard of Kumon while living in the United States, but they were not able to join at that time. After moving between India and the US, before finally settling in Scotland in 2016, Aeshan’s parents believed it was too late for him to start Kumon. However, through a friend’s recommendation and introduction, they came to know Kumon Instructor, Kanika, who welcomed the then 14-year-old Aeshan to her vibrant Kumon study centre.
Reflecting on his early days, Aeshan recalls the challenges he faced and how Kanika’s guidance helped him overcome them. “At first, I focused only on accuracy – I spent too long on each set of work and made slow progress. I grew tired and wasn’t really enjoying spending so long on my work. Then Kanika sat me down and explained why she was setting me some basic and easy work and making me do corrections. She told me that she saw the ability in me, but that I wasn’t focusing or working with pace and energy.”
Unlocking Potential
Kanika’s approach as an Instructor was equally important. Aeshan’s father, Rajesh, describes her as “a teacher who knows when to encourage gently and when to challenge firmly.” That balance helped Aeshan stay motivated and realise what he was capable of. With Kanika’s guidance, Aeshan set a plan to reach Level G before the new year and pushed forward, determined to achieve his goals.
Aeshan’s parents also played a vital role in guiding him, striking a balance between giving him independence and setting high expectations. Rajesh explains, “We don’t need to tell him to study – sometimes we even tell him not to study and work on his other interests! But we also believe children thrive with structure and discipline. That’s where Kumon really helped, because the teaching style gives freedom while also holding students accountable.”
Achieving Success
Aeshan’s hard work and determination paid off, and he achieved top results at school, even completing his Highers in maths a year early. He is now working towards his Advanced Highers and aims to study Artificial Intelligence and data science in the United States. Outside of academics, he enjoys coding, guitar, tennis, and even supports younger students at the Kumon Centre as a role model and Classroom Assistant.
Aeshan also stands out for being the first student in the UK to complete his entire Kumon Maths Programme on a tablet through KUMON CONNECT. He found the digital format gave him speed and flexibility, allowing him to complete his corrections quickly and make faster progress.
A Lasting Impact
Kanika, Aeshan’s Instructor, reflects with pride on his journey, “It has been a pleasure to work with Aeshan and to be able to inspire him. Now, having him in the centre to support other students is wonderful. He is now even in the process of developing an app for my centres, aimed at enhancing our communication with families.” Aeshan’s success is a testament to the impact of Kumon’s programmes and the dedication of its Instructors.
Looking back, Aeshan’s family says the decision to join Kumon came later than for many children, but at exactly the right time for him. Rajesh sums it up best, “There is no perfect time to join Kumon. It builds foundations, independence, and an attitude of always striving to be your best, so I think it suits all children.” Aeshan’s story is a shining example of what can be achieved with the right mindset and support.
Read more about Aeshan’s journey and the benefits of Kumon’s programmes Here
