Many times people when people find out I was a cheerleader, they take me less seriously. Not only do they believe my extracurricular activity isn’t a sport, but they think what we do is easy. “Well, what do you get out of being a cheerleader?” “How will this help you when you grow up?” First of all, I am a hard working athlete and I put my life in some sort of danger every practice. Whether I am trying to throw a new trick, or we’re trying a new stunt, this sport can be dangerous. Second of all, there are plenty of skills that I have learned from cheerleading that will help me as I enter my adult years and look for a full time job. Not only have I gained more confidence that come through in my bubbly personality, but I’ve also learned traits that will help me get a job! Here are a few of the things I’ve learned from cheerleading:
1. Smile, Sparkle, Shine
If you were a cheerleader, you have a set of facial expressions you rotate through during a game or competition. When you have a smile on your face, you personality shines through and you glow. Having a little extra pep in your step helps you stand out in a crowd, and that can make all of the difference. The cheerleaders that get the crowds involved, are some of the most enthusiastic people I know!
2. Be Aggressive, B-E Aggressive
When we want something, we go for it. The only way for people around you to take you seriously and see how committed you are is to be aggressive. Whether you’re trying to land a new trick, or you’re trying to take the title at a competition, you’ve got to be as aggressive as you can.
3. You're everyone's biggest supporter
Your whole life has been devoted to cheering on the players and helping get the crowd motivated and pumped up. Whether you win or lose a game, you’re there to help remind the players that they gave it their all and they’re still number one in your eyes. This support can transition and be useful in any part of your life. Significant other applying for a job? You’re their rock and support system. Loved one sick? You’re their shoulder to lean on and support system. We’ve been trained to support others and become selfless people, and for that we can handle caring for anyone else.
4. There's no I in TEAM
Why was group work never an issue for us in school? How did we know how to lead a group of people in an event? When did we become leaders in society? The simple answer, as cheerleaders, we’re a team and a single unit. We are not a group of individuals who do our own thing, but instead we are a group of individuals that come together to create a solid team that can accomplish anything. Someday when we’re all applying for jobs, we can put on our resume that we work well with others and are cooperative. Need us to join a team project, bring it! We are prepared to work together and get the job done. Of course we may be a little anal and try to ensure perfection, but that’s just who we are.
5. You give it your all, EVERY time.
For the amount of times we had to run through the routine and hear “if you give it your all then you can have a break”, we know what giving it your all actually means. You think 100 percent is giving it your all-- wrong! More like 110 percent if not 120 percent. Giving it your all means you push through the blood, sweat and tears. You finish something knowing that you couldn’t have done any better, and you feel on top of the world. When you give it your all, you’re proud of all of your hard work and accomplishments. You didn’t win first place or get the scholarship that you applied for? Well, you gave it your all, and that’s all that matters. Putting forth your best effort every time will show the world how dedicated and hardworking you are, and that can go a long way!
