What inspires you?
I think one thing that inspires me and continues to inspire me is the students who I work with. I enjoy helping them reach their goals and it makes me proud when our chess students accomplish great things.
Who was your role model and/or inspiration?
My role up growing up has always been my dad.
What does your future look like? What do you plan to do?
After graduation I hope to go to medical school and become a physician.
What is the best piece of advice have you received that has helped you be successful?
One piece of advice I received when I was younger was ask for help when you need it. Sometimes it’s hard asking for help and being vulnerable to someone but most of the time that extra boost is what we need to reach great heights.
What motivates you?
One thing that motivates me is knowing that I am making a difference in a child’s life. Although chess is just a board game at the end of the day, the joy I get from seeing my students succeed pushes me every day to be better than I was yesterday.
How has your life and daily routines in regards to ChessKidsNation changed as a result of COVID-19?
Due to COVID, we moved many of our chess lessons online and have started hosting many free chess tournaments. Our daily routine has not changed too much but the transition to online learning was something we did have to adjust to.
What would you say are your strengths and weaknesses?
One of my weaknesses is my definitely my creativity. I think that due to me being very science minded I think of many concepts as just black and white, but I am definitely working on broadening my horizons and being creative in the ways I approach things.
If you could know the absolute truth to one question, what would you ask?
Are we alone in the universe?
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
Hall of Fame -- The Script ft. will.i.am
In your opinion, who do you think is the most impressive person in the world right now, and why?
I think the most impressive person in the World right now is Robert Pera (Owner of the Memphis Grizzlies). I think he is very impressive because at such a young age he rose to such great heights and was able to purchase an NBA team before the age of 40.
What advice do you have for fellow or younger students?
One piece of advice I would give to students who are younger than me is go after your passion and don’t let anyone stop you from achieving your dreams.