Cheering is an emotional thing. It’s the one time I’m not thinking about everything I have to do, and it’s the time I’m happiest. It was something I wanted more than anything, and it became something I hated. I turned that pain into passion and now it’s my life. It’s what I live for and it’s what I do. When I’m not doing it, I’m thinking about it. I crave it. Cheerleading has taught me a lot about a lot of things. Dedication is key. You must devote yourself completely to improve at a decent rate. It teaches leadership, it teaches devotion; selflessness, even. Your flyer doesn’t fall, regardless of what happens to you. It teaches creativity. Strength. It is a passion. You spend hours learning, creating, stretching, running, lifting- until your muscles ache and your joints feel like fire. You sweat, you get bruises all over, you bleed, you fall. The important thing is to get back up, and going higher than the last time. Perfection is possible. You must give your all and strive to be the best at all times. Don’t try out if you aren’t ready to contribute as a team player. Your team is your family. You spend countless hours with them. Basketball and football players get time outs and breaks between quarters; cheerleaders cheer throughout. It is only true sport. Cheerleading is more than just a hobby of mine. It’s my life. Skill is irrelevant if your will is strong. I’ve been mocked, teased, and taunted for being a cheerleader. I don’t let that stop me. It’s what I love and what others think doesn’t matter. Every setback is a setup for bigger and better things- this is an important thing to remember. I believe in cheerleading and I love cheerleading. Cheerleaders, and all humans, are faced with challenges everyday. Sometimes we rise above and sometimes we fall short, inevitably. This sport defies all boundaries.
“To me it is my passion. It became my sport and now it’s my life. It’s what I do and it’s pretty much who I am.”
-Maddie Gardner. ♥
