Hello darling,

It has been a long time. I miss you and the overwhelming aroma of "Big Sexy Hair" hairspray. I miss hearing the word "full out." I miss being a part of something bigger than me.

You were the sport that shaped me and molded me into the person I am today. Since I was 3 years old, I knew that I wanted you to be apart of my life. You had a sense of wonder and competitiveness that drew me in. Through broken bones and pulled muscles, you taught me how to fight for what I love. You surrounded my life and I wanted nothing more than to feel the blue mat beneath my hands on a daily basis.

I want to thank you for always pushing me to step out of my shell. You helped me become more outgoing and you taught me to fight for my dreams. You also taught me that even with hard work and dedication, you don't always win, and that's okay, as long as I continue to do what I love.

Now that I am older and my body will no longer allow me to cheer, I have realized just how much you meant to me. You pushed me to be my better self. You were my escape when times got hard and you helped me build a family outside of my own.

I never knew how much cheer would help me when it came to college, but you have taught me to continue to fight, whether it be with school work or my goals. You showed me that it is okay to get dolled up and it is also okay to look like a major bum. You taught me how to take care of my body so I wasn't affected by the freshman 15. You taught me to rely on others in times of need.

From sweat and tears to glitter and bows, cheerleading pulled me out of my shell and showed me what I am capable of. Although I am no longer able to cheer, you will always have a special place in my heart. I miss Friday night lights and competition weekends, but I know that cheer will always be a part of my life. It might be cheering for Tech on Saturdays from the stands or cheering my friends on through finals.

Most of all thank you for teaching me confidence. You helped me find joy and self-love that has carried over into college. Every lesson that cheer taught me lead me to feel more confident in my personal abilities. You also taught me leadership which has allowed me to take control of my school life and it has helped me in the job market as well. Through the leadership and confidence you helped me build, I can walk into class or a job interview knowing I have the ability to be successful if I continue to work and be myself.

I know that many girls cheered, but to me you were more than a sport, you were home. Thank you for continuing to be my escape even though I am no longer capable of cheering. Thank you for teaching me how to love myself for 15 years. Because of you, I promise to always go full out in life.