Our employee of the month is Ramya Inapuri from Boston, Massachusetts.
Ramya is not only a member of our WITS team but is also an accomplished chess player. The photo above shows Ramya when she won the US Women's Open in 2015! Ramya is hard working, organized, and a dedicated instructor who truly cares about the success of every one of her students.
Ramya, thank you for being such an outstanding employee and teacher!
To show our appreciation for your dedication and hard work – please check your email this week for a special gift from us.
Chek out our interview with Ramya below:
1. Who are you, where do you come from, where are you going?
My name is Ramya Inapuri. I am from India but I live in Boston currently.
2. How long have you been teaching with Chess Wizards?
I have been teaching for 6 years with Chess Wizards, but I have been teaching chess for over 10 years.
3. What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since you started teaching?
Making chess fun for the kids goes a long way, and you may become one of your students favorite teachers!
4. What is the most exciting experience you have had while playing or teaching chess?
Seeing a child learn her basics and then grow into a professional chess player!
5. How do you motivate your students to succeed?
I always tell them you never really lose a game, you always win something. And whether you draw, lose, or win, you are always learning. I like to tell my students about the many games that I’ve lost, but learned a lot from.
6. If you could retire tomorrow and never have to worry about money again, what would you do with your time?
I would travel around the world, spend time with my parents and do some charity work.
7. What’s your go-to technique for dealing with ‘handful students’?
Doing fun Quiz’s or a warm up activity.
8. What is an unusual place you have been to?
Havasupai
9. Do you have a talent that not many people know about?
I can play Blindfold Chess.
10. What’s your #1 teaching tip?
Have a strong voice, and set the ground rules for class on day one.
11. What is something interesting that you’re involved in, outside of Chess Wizards?
I enjoy trying new things and traveling.
12. If you saw a kangaroo and a chimpanzee playing chess what would you do? Who do you think would win?
Maybe the chimpanzee would win… lol
13. Star Wars, Star Trek, or they’re both lame?
I don’t want to say lame, but I am not interested in either!
14. What do you like most about working with Chess Wizards?
That I am able to teach kids the game I played (and mastered!) my whole life.