Mentor Reflection

Confidence, patience, and respect -- these are qualities often found in successful leaders. As a tutor for young children and teens at Kumon Tutoring Center, I demonstrate these skills on a daily basis. I display self-assurance when asked questioned by students and guardians alike, remain collected even when a fussy child does not, and understand that every child is trying their best no matter what pace they are progressing at.

Even so, I was flustered when my manager asked me to supervise the facility for two weeks. She would be out of town for a business trip, and needed someone familiar with all aspects of Kumon to be a temporary manager, she said.

For the next two weeks, my responsibilities increased tenfold. In addition to grading and tutoring, I recorded data, collected fees, supervised staff, and filed over 100 folders per day. My body was constantly moving, traveling from one area of the building to another to fulfill my duties. I worked overtime, staying after closing time for nearly an hour each day to ensure everything was prepared for the next class session.

Although I never underestimated the abilities of my manager, I did not understand the full extent of her responsibilities until I experienced them firsthand. Sometimes, I was asked questions I did not know the solution to, and I had to politely respond: “The manager will

“Video Producer” was the topic I chose for my project, for it is my dream job. I know it is not a plausible choice for many, and that it is unlikely I will actually pursue the job in the future. As a result, I was hesitant to explore its details, afraid to become attached to something I could not have. But, because of the Career Project, I was given an incentive to seek the information I was always curious to