Log 6_The Queen's Gambit

 

As I read the chapters of The Queen’s Gambit, I felt a connection with Beth Harmon’s isolation at the orphanage. Although her loneliness is extreme, I think many people, including me, feel lonely at times, especially when adjusting to new places. Beth finds comfort in playing chess, which reminded me of how I found comfort in my family and how I’ve learned to cope with loneliness through my love for them.

When I was younger, I lived with my grandmother and two sisters, and my relationships with them were my foundation. The time we spent together felt so safe, whether we were eating, talking, or just being together. This closeness became a big part of who I am. Later, I moved to live with my parents. Though we didn’t have as much time together because of busy schedules, I learned to appreciate every moment with them. I began to see that time spent together is precious, even if it’s not always as much as I’d like.

Now, as a college student living in a dormitory, I experience a different kind of isolation—being away from my family for the first time. At first, my homesickness felt like a negative reaction to being in a new place. I often missed the warmth and familiarity of home, feeling overwhelmed at times. But gradually, I started seeing my homesickness differently. Instead of feeling weak, I saw it as a sign of my love for my family. Missing them didn’t mean I couldn’t handle being away; it simply reminded me how much they mean to me. It showed me that my family is an important part of my life, just as chess becomes important to Beth as she faces loneliness.

Beth’s story shows me that while loneliness is hard, it can also help us appreciate the relationships that mean the most to us. Feeling homesick now makes me feel grateful because it reminds me of the strong bonds I have with my family. In a way, my homesickness has become a way of showing my love for them, even from a distance. Like Beth, I’m learning that while isolation is tough, it can also help me grow by reminding me of the people who give my life meaning.