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The summer before college was enjoyable because of the relaxation, but scary because college was right around the corner. The first impression I had about college was that it was going to be a complicated experience, just like chess. In chess, there are 16 pieces per player, but these 16 pieces can be played a ton of different ways. Similarly, in college you are given groups of classes which you can manage several different ways. Overall, college seems very complicated but can become simple once you make a plan.

The trick, however, is to be adjustable, because that is what college is about. I’ve learned that college is a time where you can personalize your education. Defenses, or in other words, backup plans, should be established as a fall back. There’s no reason to be scared when something doesn’t go as planned. Instead, a student should feel excited and be creative to set up a plan of action. In chess, you will develop a plan, but there is a great chance for the opponent to challenge your plans. With the pieces set up defensively, just like the backup plans for college, pick up where you left off and set up a new plan.

The objective of both is to keep moving forward, because there will always be new paths to create. Even though they might take time, it’s better to set up something late, than give up and never do it at all. A player can make a come-back from almost losing if the right moves are made at the end. A student can retake classes and change majors if what they are currently doing isn’t going as planned. There is light at the end of the tunnel for those who are willing to work hard and make it all the way through.