Student Essay From a Team Captain

I am the one of the captains of Paul Robeson Chess Club. I moved to U.S during 2016 for better opportunities. One day,I ended up finding myself interested in chess by seeing Paul Robeson chess club at the Bala Cynwyd library.

From then on, I have worked my way up and I had tremendous growth during my first 2 years of playing chess. During my first year alone, I have had success in States by placing Second place and placing 13th in Junior High Nationals with a score 6/7 during my first ever nationals. Additionally, I also won some local tournaments being held at MasterMinds. During my second year, I became State Champion for Quick Chess for U-1500 winning a top award and I participated in the High School nationals where I tied for 35th place.

Lastly, going to Nationals is important and I believe that it is a valuable experience not just for chess but also for life. The memories that we share through nationals can never be forgotten. This is why we need your help to support Paul Robeson Chess Club. We would like to continue this tradition of going to Nationals and we can only do this with your help.

Student Essay from a Dedicated Student

I remember when I first got interested in chess. I used to watch coach teach chess to his students all the time, until one day, I was brave enough to finally start playing. However, instead of Me asking, I just blurted out “I know how to play!” Coach looked at me like I was crazy. He then asked me to move the Queen and I moved it like a knight, so I was told to sit down, and I watched. For a second I thought I wasn’t able to play, but coach saw Something in me that I never saw in myself. Then it was up from there.

Chess has taught me so much in life. For example, to think ahead, as well as to be decisive, and so many other things chess has taught me. I use the skills that I learned from chess, on the board and in real life.

Nationals would mean the world to me, not only because I get to play chess, but also because I get to learn life-lessons and expand my knowledge, both mentally and physically.

In conclusion, I leaned that chess ISN’T Just a game for fun.

Chess prepares the mental side of a person. As well as the physical. Chess teaches you life-lessons you never would’ve learned - even though you needed them. Nationals would be a big step in the right direction for me, to get back into chess again and develop the strength of my mind, as well as to have a good time.