Our employee of the month is Asminda Aguilera from California!
Asminda's classes are filled with engaging activities that get her students excited about chess. She is an amazing storyteller and makes her students feel valued and appreciated. Asminda is also great at presenting short games that help her students understand basic chess principles.
Asminda, 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 Asminda below:
1. Who are you, where do you come from, where are you going?
Hi! My name is Asminda. I was born in Mexico. I began my journey in chess when my mom taught me during middle school. Later, I joined the high school chess club, where I met my best friend. Since then, we have traveled to different places to participate in chess tournaments over the years, making chess an integral part of my life. I am currently pursuing a Master's degree in Landscape Architecture and I provide scholarships and support to Mexican girls who play chess. I hope to continue doing this for a long time, with the financial support I will obtain from my career in landscape architecture. And of course, I will keep playing chess.
2. How long have you been teaching with Chess Wizards?
1 year and 7 months.
3. What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since you started teaching?
The most valuable lesson is that it's not just about teaching chess or any other subject. It's essential to also teach students to be good people, fostering empathy and respect for their opponents.
4. What is the most exciting experience you have had while playing or teaching chess?
During the years I taught chess in Mexico, my students qualified to compete in the national high school tournament in Cancun. In the end, they won a trophy, a gold medal, and a silver medal. I realized that all the hard work in our classes had paid off, and I was thrilled for their achievements, which felt like my own as well.
5. How do you motivate your students to succeed?
I motivate my students by providing exercises that match their skill levels, making them challenging enough to stay exciting and engaging. I share the life stories and challenges faced by great chess players from both history and the present. My lessons come with stories, featuring protagonists who overcame adversities to achieve their success. Through these stories, my students learn that hard work and study are the only means to achieve their goals, and they internalize and practice this lesson themselves.
6. If you could retire tomorrow and never have to worry about money again, what would you do with your time?
I would dedicate my time to teaching eco-sustainable architecture. Additionally, I would continue to promote chess, especially among Mexican girls, by offering scholarships, classes, and tournaments. My approach would focus on teaching and demonstrating that chess should be played for the love of the game, rather than to show superiority, belittle, or humiliate opponents.
7. What’s your go-to technique for dealing with ‘handful students’?
I usually start by spacing out the boards to prevent distractions. Then, I assign them slightly more challenging exercises compared to the others. The points system from Chess Wizards has been very helpful. Each class, I bring a printed list showing the total points each student has earned, including reasons for gaining or losing points from the previous class. This way, students understand that when I address negative behavior and deduct points, it actually happens. I highlight remaining points in orange or red, making it clear that these are negative. I also specify the reasons, such as "throwing pieces -20," "shouting -10," or "being rude to classmates -50," etc. If the behavior is too bad, I am not afraid to pause the class to address the situation directly.
8. What is an unusual place you have been to?
I was on a boat that sailed in the middle of Lake Lucerne in Switzerland, where I had a view of the Swiss Alps. It was one of the most memorable sights of my life. The blue of the lake and the green of the fields were beyond anything I had ever imagined.
9. Do you have a talent that not many people know about?
I've been writing poetry since I was 12 years old, and I'm quite good at it.
10. What’s your #1 teaching tip?
Be patient. Children have different learning styles and paces. By respecting their individual learning curves, you show that you care about them as individuals and that you are attentive to their needs. This approach helps build mutual respect and trust.
11. What is something interesting that you’re involved in, outside of Chess Wizards?
I am part of the board of directors of the Cal Poly Chess Club.
12. If you saw a kangaroo and a chimpanzee playing chess what would you do? Who do you think would win?
I would ask them if I could challenge the winner for the next game. I think the kangaroo would win; kangaroos are quite strong and agile, and probably smarter than we think.
13. Star Wars, Star Trek, or they’re both lame?
Star Wars.
14. What do you like most about working with Chess Wizards?
What I like most is wearing the chess wizard costume, it starts fun conversations and helps me connect with my students when I tell them I'll teach them the best secrets of chess because I’m a wizard. My magical powers let me know things that normal people don’t. It makes me feel like a more fun person. I also love trophy day.
Additionally, I enjoy working with the people at Chess Wizards; they are always very kind and willing to help if you need anything.