I was introduced to the cheerleading world when I was 8, and I can’t imagine my life without it. For as long as I can remember it has been school, cheer and anything that I can fit in to do when I was free. Cheer has pretty much consumed my life but I wouldn’t change thing because cheerleading has made me into the person I am today.

Cheerleading isn’t just about putting on the cute inform or the status of being a cheerleader for me. It's about being a part of something that works for the same goal. As well as the secret lesson that I didn’t realize that cheerleading has, I don’t just get the physical work out from being an athlete, but I also get life lessons that I can take away with me in the future. When I reflect back on the last past nine-years of cheerleading, I have realized that it has taught me so much without even realizing it.

Because of cheerleading I’ve learned to put on a smile even though situations may go wrong.

Because of cheerleading I learned to be strong physically and mentally

Because of cheerleading I learned to trust people.

Because of cheerleading I have gained tons of friends and sisters that have the same passion as I do.

Because of cheerleading I learned to be hardworking.

Because of cheerleading I have learned to stay positive now matter what.

Because of cheerleadingI learned to be a role model for the younger crowd around me.

Because of cheerleading I have learned to not only acknowledge my success but others’ as well.

Because of cheerleading I learned to give it my all.

Because of cheerleading I learned that my teammates will always be there to support me.

Because of my cheerleading I learned to be selfless.

I know I gave up a lot of my social life for it, but I do not regret anything. Because of cheerleading it's shaped me into who I am today.