Sophomore Muthamizh Arrasu Kamaraj is a taekwondo black belt, regular volunteer, and chess enthusiast. Keep reading to learn more about his experiences here at Metea.

How has your experience been in taekwondo?

After nine years of work, I have earned a 2nd-degree black belt. I love learning taekwondo; the feeling of kicking and moving makes me feel better after a long day. I also teach taekwondo to kids under seven years old. Just basic stuff like small kicks and general knowledge. Sometimes I will teach the older kids, and it is interesting to see how they absorb the material and get more comfortable with their skills. Watching the little kids smile and learn is by far the best feeling though.

When did you start coding?

I have been coding various projects since the seventh grade. I have learned HTML and Java so far, but I am in the middle of learning Python right now. Being in AP Computer Science A has helped me learn more, too.

How long have you been playing chess?

I started learning chess last year. Since school started, I saw that we had a chess club and I tried out, but I could not make the cutoff. Admittedly, I was terrible, but I have put in a lot of work and effort the past summer and this entire year. Now, I am good enough to be on the B Team, and next year I hope to advance so I can help our school get that state trophy.

What is your favorite part about volunteering?

I have worked with Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) twice, and I also volunteer for taekwondo because I teach the kids and learn at the same time. I do not get paid for my work but I do not mind it too much. I find the work fulfilling.

What is your favorite aspect of Metea Valley?

In terms of location, it has to be the library. There are a ton of books there that not enough people are reading. At Metea, I love the diversity and the fact that you can meet people from widely different cultures and backgrounds. No one person that goes to this school is the same. Plus, everyone is nice in general.

To read about another mustang and his experiences in taekwondo, read Vivek Panse’s Humans of Metea story here.