When I was a little girl, I always wanted to be a cheerleader. I mean at that young age, that was the best thing you could be. 7th grade was the first opportunity I had to become one, and of course I took it. However, it wasn't what I expected it to be; it was better. Countless hours went into practice, you never knew what time you would be home, and you had to always be careful because it was super easy to get hurt. Throughout the many years of being a cheerleader, I have learned so many things. So here are seven reasons on why being a cheerleader made me a better person.
1. You can't please everyone.
I didn't learn this until I became a cheerleader in high school. There were always certain people who said "the pep rallies are boring" or "why can't we do stuff like Greenwood does." The truth is, many people don't see the time and effort that goes into preparing a pep rally and practicing one. Also coming from a school where tradition is key, we can't do many different things because of tradition and morals.
2. People are going to judge you no matter what.
This one sort of ties into the first one but it is completely true. No matter if you try hard in the pep rally or don't try hard enough people are going to judge you. In my school I was the 'bigger' cheerleader, so I was constantly receiving comments about my weight from other students. 
This was one of the hardest lessons to learn, but it was the most useful. Some people will pick at you until you break down, however when you fight back harder and prove them wrong, they seem to stay quiet.
3. You create a bond that cannot be broken.
Throughout the many years of cheerleading, I have been apart of the freshman squad, the jv, and varsity for 3 years, each time with different people. To this day I still talk to many of the girls and we had a bond that won't be broken. After countless hours of practicing, decorating the gym, burning the CD's, you learn that these girls are going to stick by you no matter what. 
4. Your confidence is boosted.
Having to dance, jump, and stunt in front of hundreds of people can be scary; especially when wearing a pretty short skirt. With cheerleading you are taught that everything is going to be fine. Just relax, have confidence in yourself and most importantly have fun!
5. You learn how to trust people.
Cheer business is cheer business. This was our motto for the longest time, and it still applies. Whatever happened in cheer stayed in cheer, and to this day there are many things that people don't know. Plus if you're a flyer, you have to trust that your bases and back spots are going to catch you!
6. It's okay to have school spirit.
You're never too cool to have school spirit, or any kinda of spirit for that matter. If something excites you then enjoy it! Having school spirit was one of my favorite things about high school, and I hope the traditioin continues on.
7. You are a role model.
Even when I was younger I looked up to the cheerleaders. I would tell my mom "I want to be just like her when I grow up". Many years later, I became the girl I wanted to be. I recently graduated but many times when I'm out in town little girls will come up to me and say "You're my favorite cheerleader, I used to see you cheering at the football games,' or my favorite, 'I want to be like you when I'm older." Every time a girl comes up to me I can't help but smile, because that used to be me.
I am thankful to have been blessed to serve as a cheerleader for five years in my hometown. Cheerleading taught me so many things about life. Although it is over, I will forever cherish the lessons I have learned.
