http://www.chesstube.org/chess/posts/list/11.page JForum - http://www.jforum.net
In chess, as in life, perseverance is one big key to achieving ones goals. At Chess4Life, we strive to teach these "life skills" through the game of chess, and perseverance, while definitely not the only critical element to success, is a big one. Take a moment to read this story from 2004.
I was teaching the enrichment chess class at the Sammamish Chinese Academy, when I noticed a young boy who was enthusiastic about learning chess. With his younger sister trailing along, Nikko was bubbling over with eagerness to master the fascinating challenge of chess. However, this student was having a serious challenge of being able to put together concepts into a game and lost match after match. For nearly one whole season he lost EVERY single game he played - not even a draw! The only surprise was that he continued to come to class, but he showed great perseverance - he came to chess camp, and continued to lose every game - he went to a tournament and proceeded to lose every game...yet he kept coming back. Finally it clicked! He managed a STALEMATE!! He was as excited as if he had just won the state championships, and I gave him a big 'high-five'! Shortly thereafter he won his very first game - what a proud moment!

Breaking that 'mental barrier' was all he needed - his very next tournament he won enough games to qualify for the state championships! His dogged perseverance eventually led to success. Just imagine what he will be able to accomplish in life as he applies the same skills to whatever challenges he faces!

Thank-you, Nikko, for being an inspiration to us all!]]> http://www.chesstube.org/chess/posts/preList/26/39.page http://www.chesstube.org/chess/posts/preList/26/39.page GMT