Chess: More Than A Game by Christopher

Chess: More Than A Game by Christopher - April 2022 Scholarship Essay

Chaos scattered throughout the alternating white and black squares, each piece harboring secret motives as the two kings stared each other down like medieval times. My games were less intense than the Twitch streamers I watched, but I enjoyed how chess combined quick-wittedness and strategizing. I took time to teach myself the game, and eventually joined a chess non-profit in order to teach others as well. My goal was to create an environment where children can develop their analytical skills while also enhancing their socialization after a long-period of isolation due to the pandemic.
In the beginning, many of the kids were very reserved and few knew how to play chess. I observed one particular kid losing quite often due to his attack-from-the-side maneuvers; my advice for him to attack from the middle, a stronger technique, seemed to fall on deaf ears. Sitting down to play a couple games, I was able to show him his options. He began to replicate my moves, and to his surprise, found more success in later positions. By opening each match in the center and later developing through the edges, he quickly became a strong player amongst the group. Going from table to table, helping students through demonstration, their vivacious energy through friendly challenges and sportsmanship was infectious. Every kid was enthusiastic, many arriving early and some even staying afterwards to help clean up. On the last day of the camp, we competed against another class; the kids repeatedly shocked me by accurately implementing the moves I had taught them.
During a summer filled with studying for the SAT, getting in shape for soccer, and working on college applications, I gladly volunteered over a hundred hours at the non-profit. The happiness of the children to grow in a safe place was incredibly rewarding and made the time all the more worthwhile. Through the camp, I was able to support many kids who, like me, lacked formal training in chess, but still deserved to benefit from playing. I look forward to providing similar opportunities to the community and joining a chess club in college.