In one match, then two, and even five matches in a row, the consecutive outcomes were defeats. Losing to the extent that Bao Ngan (Class 3Lagos at The Dewey Schools Cau Giay) had moments of frustration, contemplating giving up her own passion for chess.
Nguyen Bao Ngan, the youngest TDSer proudly donning the vibrant colors of The Dewey Schools Cau Giay, recently secured the 3rd Prize in the Chess Tournament of Phu Dong Health Association in Cau Giay district. This achievement is just one accolade in Bao Ngan’s collection of weighty medals in the realm of intellectual sports she passionately pursues. Through playing with her brother at home, the 9-year-old gradually developed a love for chess, enthusiastically exploring strategies for board positions, breaking through encirclements, and studying moves to triumph over opponents.
However, to attain these successes, the 9-year-old girl has faced numerous challenges and setbacks. Confronting formidable opponents, grappling with frustration over a string of consecutive losses, losing confidence, and doubting her own capabilities were recurring hurdles. Yet, Bao Ngan chose perseverance over surrender, independently learning from her failures, calmly analyzing moves, and extracting experience for the next match.
One of the greatest sources of inspiration that Bao Ngan always mentions in every story is her father – the one who is always behind her, cheering and accompanying her on every journey. “Family is always there to guide and help me better manage emotions when facing challenges. The most important thing in raising children is not to emphasize achievements too much. I hope my children have various experiences, dare to try, dare to do, and always strive to be better than themselves of yesterday, not necessarily better than others’ children. Additionally, I believe the courage to face challenges is also cultivated a lot in the learning environment at Dewey – a place that provides the opportunity for the child to unleash their full potential rather than conform to any mold,” shared Mr. Nguyen Trung Thanh, Bao Ngan’s father.
To reach victory, “normalizing” failures is the spirit that young Bao Ngan chooses each time she faces the urge to give up. Alongside the encouragement from her family, Bao Ngan has consistently worked to maintain belief in herself and her passion for chess. Courageously confronting challenges and allowing oneself to fail is one of the secrets that makes not only Bao Ngan’s “glow-up” journey easier but also that of any TDSer. Because the destination of this journey is not just success, but more importantly, it’s about growth, resilience in thinking, to continuously move forward.
The Dewey Schools also believe: “People with ordinary starting points, but with extraordinary efforts, will create great things that can change the world.”
We wish TDSer Nguyen Bao Ngan, along with the values nurtured at Dewey, the support of Parents, the guidance of Teachers, and the cheers from friends, will continue to shine brightly on every upcoming journey!
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(*) As part of the “DESIGN TODAY, GLOW TOMORROW” campaign, the “Glow Up Stories” series will be a collection of authentic narratives detailing the personal journeys of self-improvement, becoming a better version every day for our TDSers.
