I have invested 16+ years of my life to cheerleading and I would not have it any other way. Cheerleading is the biggest part of me and I have learned so many things because of it. Cheerleading has taught me so many life lessons that I can apply to myself and use forever. I hope other cheerleaders have realized some of the same things I did and can carry them close for the rest of their lives. Even though it is just cheerleading, there are many things that we can take with us to be upstanding human beings.

1. You need to work hard in order to achieve a goal. Not everything in life comes easy!

In this generation, we are given whatever we want with a blink of an eye. No one understands that it takes hard work and determination to achieve your goals. You cannot be good at something by only putting in half of your effort. You need to work hard, commit, and be mentally and physically tough in order to be good at something. Not everyone gets a trophy.

2. Not everyone is a team player.

There's no "I" in team. With 16+ years of cheerleading under my belt, I have met many people who put themselves over the team, coaches and athletes alike. Not everyone is a team player, but you don't have to be like them. Let even those unfortunate decisions from others teach you be a postitive athlete.

3. You need to be dedicated.

Being on a team of any sorts takes dedication and time commitment. If you cannot dedicate and commit to something, than you will never be successful.

4. You can always get better.

You are never at your peak. There is always room for improvement. There is always room for growth. Do not let yourself get stuck or settle. You can always be better.

5. Your teammates are your family.

Traveling, competing and working together. The people on your team are your family. You cry together. You win together. You lose together. No one understands the things you are going through better than the people you are doing it with. Your teammates are your family, don't take them for granted.

6. You can do anything you set your mind to. Don't let anyone stop you.

"No one has the power to shatter your dreams unless you give it to them." -Maeve Greyson.

Do not give someone the power to dull your sparkle. If you set your mind to it, you can do anything. Don't let the haters keep you down.