From the beginning of middle school until my senior year, I was a member of the winter guard program at my school. When I came to college, it was a bit of a culture shock for me-- not only did we not have a winter guard program at all, but the majority of people have no idea what it even is. For something that was a huge part of my life for more seven years, it was extremely weird to not have anyone to talk about it at school.
By Wikipedia's definition, winter guard is "an indoor color guard sport derived from military ceremonies or veterans organizations ceremonies. Unlike traditional color guard, winter guard is performed indoors, usually in a gymnasium or an indoor arena." Well, there you have it, for the people who didn't know what it is at all. I usually like to go with something along the lines of "it's like color guard but there's no band and we're inside." But, for people who have participated in the sport, we know that it is so much more than any definition. Guard really is a lifestyle, and I miss it all the time.
So what can a person learn from being in a winter guard program?
Teamwork.
This one kind of goes without saying. Every person in a guard plays an integral role to the show and the team as a whole. We count on each other to show up, know our counts, know the work and just be prepared in general for anything that could happen at those way-too-long practices and show days.
Responsibility.
You are kind of left to your own devices an awful lot in winter guard. From doing your own makeup to learning the moves and even finding rides to practices, guard has you always thinking about your next move, both on and off the floor. I was terrible at being prepared for anything in high school, but you know I always had everything I needed to survive a show day. I didn't really have much of an option!
Sportsmanship.
This precious picture took place immediately after regional championships one year. Our competitor placed first, and my team placed second. However, when asked if we could get a picture together, we were more than happy to be friendly with each other. Guard teaches you both how to win and how to lose with grace, and that being in a sport doesn't have to be all about winning.
Time Management.
My senior year, I was the lead in the musical, drum major of the marching band and a co-captain of the winter guard. I was averaging seven hours of rehearsal a day, on top of school work. It was ridiculously stressful, but I managed to make it work. That year, I learned how to manage my time in such a way that I was still able to do all of these things and keep my grades up, while simultaneously doing all those things that make senior year so fun. Those lessons have stayed with me through college and will undoubtedly help me in my adult life.
Friendship.
Sure, being a friend is not the hardest thing in the world-- everyone has some idea of what it means to be a friend. However, guard friendships are on an entirely different level. You all spend so much time together that it can be a little overwhelming, but you make it work for the sake of the team. By the end of the season, you are all like siblings-- laughs, fights and everything in between included.
It can get rocky, but you'll have few bonds like the ones you created in guard.
I wouldn't trade my time in winter guard for anything. Even though I haven't spun in about three years now (I'm getting old), I miss it all the time. It taught me so many things that I don't think another sport would have been able to do effectively, and I will always be thankful for that.