I became interested in chess right around the time the pandemic began. Even though in-person games were not possible, that did not stop me from playing. I went online and looked for opponents whenever I could. The more I played, the more I enjoyed the mix of quiet focus and intense thinking. You sit still, but your mind runs fast. Sometimes the best move is not the one you planned, and learning to adjust on the spot makes the game exciting.

As time went on, I joined tournaments at different levels and gained both experience and confidence. I am not the fastest player, and I do not always win. But chess has taught me to stay calm under pressure and to keep working through a problem without panicking. This year, winning first place in the Ontario High School Chess Championship was a milestone for me, and it reminded me how far I have come since those first online games.