All my life, I was told that cheerleading was full of “mean girls” and wasn't even a legitimate sport. I never really believed this as an outsider, but as I became an insider, I shortly found out that neither of those facts was true at all.
Of course, yes, some cheerleaders may fit the stereotype exactly, but we are only human and there are going to be people of different personality types on every sports team out there. I also learned that cheerleading is just as much a sport as any other sport I had been a part of. This may be debated, but I am to the point where I don’t care what others think. Cheerleading challenges me mentally and physically and is the sport that I am in love with.
When I first joined my high school cheerleading squad, I met some of the most fun and encouraging girls I had ever met. They were all so kind in teaching me new things and welcomed me with such open arms. Every day I am so thankful that I joined this team because cheerleading has honestly brought such a huge amount of happiness into my life.
Because of Cheerleading, I am so much braver than I was before. I now know how to conquer fears and work to help others get over their fears.
Because of Cheerleading, I have learned how to put on a smile, and truly find happiness in what I am doing.
Because of Cheerleading, I learned to put aside what people think of me and do what I love with no shame.
Because of Cheerleading, I know real pain, and I know how to fight on, and keep going.
Because of Cheerleading, I have met amazing people who share my passion. People that have made a huge impact on my life.
Because of Cheerleading, I can say that I am a strong athlete.
Because of Cheerleading, I always try my hardest, even when it feels like nothing is going right.
Because of Cheerleading, I trust that people will have my back, and I always have theirs.
Because of Cheerleading, I am me.
For all the people out there who are not involved in Cheerleading, please respect the sport. You do not have to love it yourself or even enjoy watching it, but just respect that it makes someone out there very happy, and for that simple fact, it is amazing. And to my fellow Cheerleaders, keep on doing what you love, and never let anyone else get in the way of that!
