I learned the game relatively late and I wasn't very talented. I have suffered countless defeats since, but my love, passion for the game has not waned.
I studied hard during middle school and high school, I had some success. I represented Baja California (my state in Mexico) in the national youth olympics (in Monterrey and Guadalajara, in the late nineties). I once defeated a FM from Tijuana.
But my success has been small and parse. Still... I love the game. I have been a coach and a teacher (to newbies and even weaker players). I had resigned myself, given up, but now I feel the fire again.