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Course(s)
Algebra I, Algebra II, Biology, Calculus, Chinese, Computer Science, Earth Science, English, Geometry, Mathematics, Physical Education, Physics, Science, U.S. Government, U.S. History, World History
Education History
Public school until 5th grade when I was diagnosed with a learning disability. My Mom then sacrificed her life savings to put me through a private institution accredited school that helped me to learn in a smaller classroom setting with extra help. I attended University School for my middle and upper grades.
Awards
• UNS University School
Commended Science Scholar
Additional Info
When I was in 6th grade, my mom and I looked into a program called
Kumon. We visited the Kumon center near my house, but we weren’t interested. However, on our way out, I met the person who would impact my life in a way I couldn’t have possibly understood at that stage in my life.
His name is Mr. Omar, and he was using his aunt’s Kumon center to organize his chess class. He was wearing his trademarked outfit: an ascot cap, vest, tie, and a dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He told me that the class was just getting ready to start, and said if it was okay with my mom, I could stick around for a class and play. I knew how the pieces moved, and figured I’d give it a chance. I won my first game, and had so much fun playing, I decided to come back for his weekly classes.
Eventually I brought my best friend, and we began to play and practice weekly at Mr. Omar’s classes. It was our new way of spending Saturday afternoons. We began learning chess outside of class as well, and developed our gameplay faster than we could during the 3 hour period. Through time, we became the best in the class, and I earned the first ever “captain” position. My friend became captain shortly after. From what I just described, it doesn’t sound like Mr. Omar really taught us chess, since we did most of our learning outside of class. While that’s technically correct, Mr. Omar was still the best chess teacher I ever had, and one of the most important people in my life to this day.
Mr. Omar was more than just my chess teacher. I recently had the following realization: As one of the best in the class, his weekly sessions became more of just playing others and assuring my title. I thought I wasn’t learning anything from being there. I realize now that while I wasn’t learning chess, I was learning life skills that would stay with me forever. While some of these may sound corny, the fact that they have stuck with me reveals their importance. He taught me to never give up, no matter what position I’m in. He helped me learn how to keep my composure even in stressful situations. Those are both important, but the most important thing he taught me was that being the best means nothing if I don’t use my knowledge and abilities to help others. I didn’t realize this when I was in middle school, but Mr. Omar is my role model. He has dedicated his time to spreading this message, and I am truly fortunate to have been able to meet him that fateful S
