Inspiring the Next Generation of Math Enthusiasts: Aren Emrikian's Remarkable Journey

Algebra, probability, number theory, geometry, logic — you name it, and New Trier High School sophomore Aren Emrikian is likely teaching it to students in his math circle, Kids Inspire Kids. Emrikian, a passionate math enthusiast currently enrolled in multivariable calculus, has been running the math circle for local middle-schoolers bi-weekly on Saturdays since June, providing a unique and engaging platform for young minds to explore the wonders of mathematics.

Unlocking the Potential of Young Mathematicians

Fostering a Love for Mathematics

Emrikian's math circle, Kids Inspire Kids, has been a beacon of inspiration for local middle-schoolers, drawing in up to 10-12 participants per session. The program's primary goal is to prepare students for prestigious math competitions, such as the American Mathematics Competitions and Mathcounts, while also encouraging them to explore new mathematical frontiers and develop essential problem-solving skills.Each session, Emrikian carefully curates a set of approximately 10 math problems, ranging from warm-up exercises to more challenging problems that require deeper thought and analysis. The students are given time to discuss and work through the problems independently before Emrikian guides them through the solutions, fostering an interactive and engaging learning environment.

Empowering Students to Discover their Passion

Emrikian's dedication to the program extends beyond the classroom. He actively seeks feedback from the students, asking them what they enjoyed, what they found challenging, and how he can further improve the experience. This approach not only ensures that the content is tailored to the students' needs but also demonstrates Emrikian's genuine commitment to their growth and development."I think [the students] have been enjoying it," Emrikian said. "After class, I always ask the students what they thought — if they want me to make it easier, harder, any feedback. … I get good responses from the students. They seem to be very engaged. I think this is just something that, if people give it a chance, they'll realize they enjoy it more than they thought they would."

Developing Essential Life Skills

The impact of Kids Inspire Kids extends far beyond the realm of mathematics. Emrikian believes that the program's focus on problem-solving and logical reasoning can be applied to various facets of life, equipping the students with invaluable skills that will serve them well in their future endeavors."Emrikian describes the goal of Kids Inspire Kids as three-fold: it prepares students for math competitions such as American Mathematics Competitions and Mathcounts, encourages students to try new experiences and perhaps discover a new interest in math in the process, and, thirdly, helps develop problem-solving skills applicable to many facets of life."

A Welcoming Community for Math Enthusiasts

The math circle has become a hub for like-minded students, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among the participants. Josh Barnes, a student at Highcrest Middle School, has attended the program several times, drawn to the challenging and engaging problems that go beyond the typical school curriculum."Though he's not interested in math competitions, he enjoys that the problems Emrikian curates are more challenging that those Barnes does in school, and they have a strong focus on problem-solving and logic rather than straight-forward computation."The program's inclusive and supportive environment has been widely appreciated by parents as well. Vicky Barnes, Josh's mom, discovered Kids Inspire Kids through a Facebook post and has been impressed by the "wonderful opportunity" it provides for "like-minded kids to get together and have fun with challenging and engaging math problems."

Overcoming Logistical Challenges

Despite the program's success, Emrikian and his team have faced some logistical challenges in finding a permanent home for Kids Inspire Kids. The Winnetka Public Library, where the program has been hosted, has recently adopted a new meeting room policy that restricts reservations to cardholders who must be Winnetka, Northfield, or Kenilworth residents.The public library in Wilmette, where Emrikian resides, allows room reservations only once a month and charges a nominal fee, which is not an ideal solution for the free-of-charge, bi-weekly schedule that Emrikian envisions for the program.Undeterred by these obstacles, Emrikian remains committed to the continued success of Kids Inspire Kids and plans to keep the program running throughout the school year, regardless of the location.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Math Enthusiasts

Emrikian's passion for mathematics and his dedication to nurturing the next generation of math enthusiasts are truly inspiring. He encourages prospective students to give the program a chance, emphasizing that math can be more engaging and enjoyable than they might initially think."For any prospective students who are considering attending, I would just say, honestly give it a shot," Emrikian said. "I realize, math, it can seem daunting and not very fun, but it's not necessarily the same as what we do in school, and if you give it a chance, I promise it'll be more fun than you think."As Kids Inspire Kids continues to grow and evolve, Emrikian's vision of empowering young minds and fostering a love for mathematics is sure to inspire and captivate the community, paving the way for a future generation of problem-solvers and mathematical innovators.