Every elementary school student I taught chess is special to me. While teaching at Public School 78 I hit a special milestone. I reached 500 elementary students in a school setting.
I attended their graduation and they broke my heart by surprising me with a cardboard poster with cards. They communicated how grateful they were for the work I did with them. I helped them control their behavior and increase their focus.
Some students even said they wanted to be a chess instructor!
I’ve seen young kings & queens grow in the last 5 years. It’s suppose to be a chess club, but they do so much more.
I’ve been wheel chair bound for 15 years. I met Romeo 5 years ago while driving in the car with my girlfriend. We stopped to look at them play chess from the car. He asked us was we lost and I responded and said no. He said then why r u looking at the game from there? At that time he didnt know I couldn’t walk. He ask me did I play chess and I said yes.
I explained to him that I was in a wheel chair. He asked me can I use my hands? I said yes, he responded by saying what r u waiting for. The rest is history!
Being in this wheel chair can be very frustrating Mentally & physically. He gives me a chance to release my frustration and be whole Again. I feel I’m doing something productive with my life.
He even calls me when their out there playing. A life saver and a friend.
