Q&A with Scarlett Chen

Scarlett Chen is a fifth grader at the Shady Hill School in Cambridge. She has been fencing at LEO for two years.

How Scarlett Discovered Fencing

How did you learn about fencing? How long have you been fencing for?

I started fencing at 7 at a different club. My parents said that I had to be doing a sport of some kind, but I didn't like any of the ones I tried: tennis, basketball, soccer, golf, figure skating, dance, or swimming. My parents had no idea what sport I would do. One day, we went to my old club for a trial class and I really liked it. Half a year later, I started at Leo and it's been 2 years.  

The Joy of Fencing

What do you love about fencing? And what do you love about LEO?

I love many things about fencing and LEO; mostly, it's the fun it brings me, not just when I win, but when I fence and know that I'm improving. Sometimes when I have to fence against somebody really good, it makes me excited too, because even if I lose, I can learn from those people. Even the people I win against usually have something that they are better at than me, and learning also makes me like fencing a lot. To me, Leo is more than a club, it's a community. It may be on the smaller side of clubs, but that's how so many people know each other here. People bring food, basically everyone knows each other, and everyone is really nice.

Life Lessons from Fencing

What is one important lesson you have learned about life from fencing?  

An important lesson I've learned from fencing is how to stay under control and think, even when I'm under pressure, like when the score is 9-9, and it's the game point, I can usually still think straight.  

Life Lessons from Fencing

What advice do you have for younger fencers?

Some advice I would give to younger fencers is: Don't compare yourself to others, and don't be discouraged if you don't get the best result, just try your best. The result doesn't matter as much as the process, and also, remember to pack a WATER BOTTLE!

Outside of fencing

What do you enjoy doing outside of fencing? 

Outside of fencing, I like to draw or craft. It gives me patience for when I fence (because trust me, I do NOT have patience at all).  

Looking Ahead

What is your next goal (fencing or otherwise)?  

My next goal is to do better at my next tournament than I did at the Premier Challenge.

A Note of Gratitude

I'm grateful for my parents, friends, and coaches for encouraging me and teaching me.

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