When I was graduating middle school, I often wondered what activity I was going to pursue in high school. I didn't want to be that person who does nothing all four years. Around that time in my life, I already did basketball, soccer, softball, cheerleading, dance and even track. Unfortunately, my heart wasn't in any of them.

Within the last few years of middle school, my older sister was already in high school. I was always forced to go to her marching band and winter guard competitions. I never thought much of it. I watched all the other competing bands and I always watched my sister perform. It wasn't until her last year when I really paid attention.

I admired the way she performed and gave her all into the performance. I admired the rest of the guard's ability to spin and toss flags, rifles and sabres. I admired the band's ability to play and march at the same time while also doing their own choreography. Lastly, I admired the way that the band as a whole came together almost like a big family and produced this beautiful and entertaining show. To them, it wasn't just another song to play or a performance to do, it was their way of putting their hearts out onto the field for all to see.

Thus, this sparked my own journey of being in Color Guard. I joined my freshman year, which meant summer rehearsals started in May. Just because marching band is a "fall" activity, doesn't mean it doesn't start way earlier than that.

Color Guard is not easy and I give kudos to all those who do it. Tossing a long, six-foot metal pole, a big chunk of wood or a long, thin metal blade above your head is pretty gutsy. The first time my instructor told me to toss a flag, I almost bursted out laughing because I thought she was kidding.

Four years of being in this activity made me realize all the things I have gained from this experience. Not only have my skills increased tremendously, but I was able to perform alongside my team. Every day at practice, I would see the same people for hours on end. Whether it was just another practice or it was a week long band camp where everything looks and feels horrible, I have created memories with these people that I will never forget. Being with these people during my worst and even my best has brought long term friendship. I met my best friend in Color Guard and now that we have graduated high school, we still remain in contact while at college.

Spinning, in itself, was the best feeling in the world. I liked going to practice just to spin my problems away. If I had a good day or a bad one, I tried to always put my emotion into my performance. Now, when I get bored I go straight outside and start spinning. Doing something for four years makes it hard to stop doing it cold turkey. If I ever stop spinning then I feel that everything I have gained from this experience will all be in the past.

Whether I am spinning by myself or in front of other people, I relive all those times that made me happy. I relive all of my performances on a football field or on a guard floor. I relive all the laughs and cries, all the perfect catches and devastating drops, all the wins and losses and, most importantly, I relive all the moments that gave me another reason why choosing to do Color Guard was the best decision I could have ever made.