Selvin Ramirez is currently a senior at James Madison High School. He started his journey with Chess in the Schools when he was in 4th grade, and is now part of our College Bound program. Selvin gives us an insight as to what it means to be part of the CIS community, and how being in the community has helped him. He will be applying to College this year and is grateful for all the support College Bound has given him. 

ML

Who taught you how to play chess?

SR

It all started when I was in elementary school. My teacher Ms. Ross, who was one of the health teachers at 131K, introduced me to chess. We played in a small group. Then, I changed schools, I ended up at 180K. I remember I wanted to join their chess club and chess team, but the chess coordinator didn’t know who I was. I emailed Ms. Ross to see if she could help me. I don’t know if she did or did not contact the chess coordinator, but one day he came up to me and told me I was signed up for the tournament that upcoming Saturday. 

ML

I guess you could say it all worked out in the end.

SR

Yeah

ML

Do you think you are more competitive now, or were you more competitive as a kid?

SR

I think I’m more competitive now. I’m higher rated now in comparison to when I was a kid. I get more frustrated with myself when I go over my games and I see that I miss some moves. When I was a kid my main thing was to have fun. I didn’t mind if I lost. Now, whenever I play I think there is some added pressure. For example, if I play at the Marshall Chess Club, then I pay an entrance fee, which means I have to win a majority of my games to feel like I didn’t waste my money. 

ML

What is your goal for this school year?

SR

My goal is to be as successful as I can be in my last year of high school. I don’t want to drop too far behind. I would be the first one in my family to go to college, so I want to get into the college that I’m aiming for.

ML

If you don’t mind me asking, which college is that?

SR

My top choice is currently NYU, but I have some other options just in case. 

ML

Do you think your life would be the same without Chess in the Schools?

SR

My life would not be the same without Chess in the Schools. I wasn’t in College Bound during my freshman year. One day, I signed up for a CIS tournament, and Will recognized me. He told me to join College Bound, and so I did. I remember during COVID, CIS helped me feel like I was socializing with people and made me feel comfortable. 

ML

Do you think that friendship is an integral part of chess? 

SR

For sure, I think that friendships are really important in Chess and at Chess in the Schools. When I go to seminars or Chess Night, my friends joke around with me and support me. They’re people who are my age, which is why I’m able to make these strong connections. 

ML

As you mentioned, you are a first-generation college student. Do you think CIS has helped you overcome the obstacles that first-generation students typically face when applying to college? 

SR

Yeah, they have helped me a lot. I think I would have been lost if I wasn’t in College Bound. I’ve learned so much information about applying to college. For example, I didn’t know what ED was and now I do, which makes me feel more confident.

ML

Are you involved in anything outside of College Bound?

SR

I’m part of the Red Cross Club, I’m the vice president of my school Chess Club, and I’m a member of the Key Club

ML

What would you be doing after school if you weren’t in College Bound?

SR

I would probably be sleeping on my bed. Social interactions are really important to me, and I feel like Chess in the Schools does that for me. I think the people here are just so interesting, it makes me feel like I’m always learning. I like the people here so much I always try to fill out my tournament requirements so that I can ensure my spot at one of the overnight tournaments. I like to plan months before Amateurs (USATE). I’m planning out how I’m going to spend my time before the rounds and after the rounds. I think the friendships I’ve made here have helped me enjoy the game even more. 

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