I love chess, however, most people think that it is only about beating the person who is sitting right across from you. In the K-12 Grade Nationals in Spokane, Washington, I was proud that after I competed in the 4th grade category of the under 800 section, I stood 26th in the country and 3rd in California. Although I got that great achievement, I didn't think that that was the best thing. I learned that chess is not about just winning or losing, it is about being patient, and most importantly, to respect the game and the people around you.

To play this tournament, I needed to show a lot of humility with my physical actions and gestures. On the board, however, I needed to be aggressive, not in a physical way, but in a “chess way.” It doesn’t mean being arrogant, it means trying to win over the board. True humility means that you respect the game and your opponent when you are either losing or winning. Even if my bold strategies and sacrifices make me win the game I always remembered to be humble and to not boast like crazy.

This chess tournament tested my resilience. Resilience is when you say “I lost that game, but I can learn from it.” I learned that you can fight fiercely on the board while still being respectful to your opponent. I also learned that “Every round is a new opportunity.” By respecting the game and the other players around me, I was very proud that even if I didn’t win, I played with humility and I tried my best.

The most important time you can show humility is when you are shaking hands at the end of the game. You say, ”Good game, and good luck for your next games!” This sense of respect for others led me to make a special decision during the tournament. I joined a charity event playing simul with a National Master (NM). I felt great that my chess playing also helped someone in a different way.

On my journey, I looked up to Grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju. He is one of the best chess players in the world, but what I really admire about him is that he respects the game and his opponents. He also fights aggressively on the board and is humble and kind off the board. He is an ideal of what a chess player should be: a “silent warrior” who lets his moves speak for him.

As I look ahead to my next tournament, my goal is to improve my ranking while staying humble and respectful to others. I want to continue sharpening my mind and taking the risks that lead to victory, but I will always carry the lessons of the Nationals with me. Success is only meaningful if it is built on a foundation of respect. With a focused mind and a commitment to helping others, I am ready for the next move, both on the chessboard and in life!