As with most people, the transition to college was a shock to me. From a young age, I was a cheerleader. All through elementary, middle, and high school cheering is what I did. I always thought, the Freshman 15 will not happen to me, I have a high metabolism, I will look this way forever.

It did not work out that way for me. The first university I went to did not have a cheerleading team. For the first time in my life I was not on a cheer team and it was sad but it was okay. I went to college and ate the same way that I always had, why wouldn't I? I had always been able to eat what I want and cheer practice was the only physical activity I had done. I quickly put on the Freshman 15 and I felt like a failure because of it.

It was really tough on me and so I decided to start going to the gym. To me, cheerleading is a sport and it was proven to me when all the sudden I was losing strength. At my new school, I am back on a cheer team. While we do not practice as often as I used to in All-Star or High School, I go to the gym every day. And I am happy to be in the best shape of my life.

The high school to college transition is always tough, especially for those who were athletes in high school and no longer are in college. It also lead me to feel lonely as I no longer had a team behind me, no more built in friend group.

My advice to people going through this transition:

1. Join some sort of club or team so you get that companionship and make more friends.

2. Start going to the gym if you are missing that level of fitness.

3. Do not go on the crazy diets. Eat what you want, in moderation. Watch what you eat and be conscientious but enjoy some pizza, ice cream, or donuts when you want, stay happy.

4. Get a good nights sleep every night. Homework will always be there, but you will not perform at your best if you are suffering from sleep deprivation.

5. Find some things to help reduce the stress you feel every day. Some things I do: yoga, some deep breaths, coloring, reading, singing, having a dance party (one of my favorite things to do). I also reflect on my day through journaling right before bed which helps me get some frustrations out for the day and get a good nights sleep.

4. Lastly, and this is important: Keep pushing yourself, you are made to do great things.