Akshaan Sharma

What do you think makes you a good coach? 

I believe that forming a connection with the students is an important part of being a good coach. With my previous experience in holiday programs, I pride myself in being able to form bonds with the students and making everyone feel involved. This is a key trait that I believe makes me a good coach.

What are your key strengths?

I believe that my key strengths consist of me having an empathetic nature, while possessing good communication skills, a sense of accountability and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement, these are all qualities that I have and I strive to improve on. These are also some of the key traits that I believe are seen in a good coach. 

Why do you love Chess?

I played chess as a young kid with my older brother and I thoroughly enjoyed the competitiveness behind it, as well as the strategical thinking required for each move. One reason for my love of chess is that I believe in correlates to life in a way that, if you end up losing it means you have made some sort of mistake in your play. This acts as an accountability factor for every decision and move you make, That is why I love chess. 

When/how did you first learn to play?

I learnt how to play chess in the early stages of my childhood when I was about 7. My brother was the one who had taught me how to play at that time. 

Why do you enjoy working with kids?

I enjoy interacting with kids and seeing them learn and develop as time goes on. With a younger cousin living with me my whole life, I enjoyed teaching her new games and helping her develop as a person. A similar approach can be taken with the students as a coach. Teaching them how to play chess and also helping in developing them as a person. This excitement of seeing the kids learn and grow is why I enjoy working with them. 

What are your main Chess achievements? 

Although I don’t have any significant achievements in terms of chess. I am more of a person that enjoys helping people, I have a passion for it. Although I am committed to improving my own personal skills as a chess player, I am more focused on the teaching aspect. 

How do you think Chess helps kids? 

Chess replicates life in a way, and I believe that it develops the minds of the kids teaching them to be strategical at every step in life. It shows them how to be accountable for their actions, as you can’t lose in chess without making a mistake somewhere along the line. Learning these skills at a young age is extremely beneficial for the kids and is something they can carry with them their whole life.