shine bright like a diamond {diamond shakoor}

diamond shakoor is known as 'the chess prodigy.'  inspired by her well educated dad who teaches chess to older kids, diamond quickly moved from novice status to beating her father. she has now participated in over 250 tournaments and took first place in the girls primary Susan Polgar National Chess Championship. as of 2013, she was ranked in the 71 percentile nationwide and in the 90th percentile for female chess players.  with her dad (who has had sole custody of diamond since she was a year old) by her side, diamond is able to set and reach her goals in chess while maintaining good grades and other hobbies like dancing and singing, too.  she practices chess for an hour and a half each day.  

 "My dad gives me a lot of advice – ‘grind now, shine later;’ or ‘win with dignity, lose with grace,’ which is by Susan Polgar.” source stlpublicradio.org

when she grows up, diamond hopes to follow in her father's footsteps and teach chess.  she is even considering opening up her own school.  whatever her future, diamond is likely to be a success thanks to her discipline,
intelligence and positive attitude.

"... I inspire myself because like I said, I’m a role model and not a follower..."  

we agree, diamond!