My chess journey began at age eight during a seven-week basketball camp—an unexpected setting that sparked a lifelong passion. While the camp focused on athletics, it was in the quiet moments between drills that I discovered chess. I quickly became fascinated by the game’s complexity and learned the tactical foundations that would shape my competitive mindset. Years later, I joined the Charlotte Chess Center as a beginner, determined to take my skills to the next level. Over the past two years, I’ve advanced to an intermediate-to-advanced level, competing in rated tournaments and steadily improving my USCF ranking. More than just a game, chess has taught me discipline, patience, and strategic thinking—qualities that now influence how I approach challenges both on and off the board. The Center’s community and mentorship have played a huge role in my growth, and today, chess continues to sharpen my focus, fuel my ambition, and push me to think several moves ahead in everything I do.