Chess has helped me become a better person by improving my knowledge and skills.
The game is beneficial for me because it teaches me brainstorming, critical thinking
skills, how to engage with people and how to share ideas.
When I was 10 years old, my grades were poor. It was upsetting to see how badly I was
doing in school. It made me feel discouraged when my report card arrived. My family
was not proud. That changed before my first day of middle school. I was introduced to
the game of chess. It was a challenge for me at the beginning, but I loved it because I
like developing strategies on my own. Later, I realized how entertaining and educational
this game is. I learned how to become a skillful player in chess with the help of the
computer.
During middle school, my grades were getting better because chess had educated me
about critical thinking and planning, which helped me with my homework. It made me a
successful student. I started feeling better about my future because I gained more
self-confidence and intelligence.
When I was 13, I started struggling with problem-solving and harder classes in eighth
grade. Then I discovered an online game called chess puzzle. The game is about
figuring out the right chess move to keep a winning position alive. One wrong move and
you are off track. I enjoyed the puzzles because they helped me practice
problem-solving and become an even better chess player. I can identify the solution to a
problem and support my critical thinking. I have learned to be persistent, even if it is
difficult to complete a task. For example, in chess, sacrifices help me take advantage of
something better. Challenges stimulate me.
When I was 15 years old, a sophomore in high school, I moved to a new school: Great
River School in St. Paul. I was nervous when the school year started because I had not
gone to school for one year because of the pandemic. During lunch time, I decided to
play chess on my own since no one recognized me yet. One day, I met a person who
wanted to go against me in chess. I was hyped on the inside, but calm on the outside.
My first opponent’s skills were fine, but I practiced more on the attacking strategies than
him. I checkmated him with a surprise move. I was so good at chess that I gained my
opponent’s respect, and we became friends.
I was delighted to see that I was making friends along the way throughout the school
year and communicating with staff members more often. Then, I gained popularity for
being the best chess player in my grade, and I was proud of it. I feel thankful for my
favorite game because without it, I would be an average student.
Now I am 16, advancing to grade 12. I feel relaxed and happy. At the same time, there
is a challenge I need to face. That challenge is college. I only have another year to
prepare. When I first started playing chess, it had no relevance for my future. Now, I
participate in chess tournaments to earn awards and recognition and will apply for
chess scholarship programs to help me get into college.
My success as a chess player has given me the skills to succeed in school. Chess
made me who I am.