This year is my first being a cheerleader. Therefore, I've been exposed to more than ever in regards to what goes into Friday Night Lights and I see how hard everyone works. The players, the parents, the band members, the color guard, the cheerleaders and the coaches. Specifically, I'm exposed to the passion that goes into winning the game. Last year, I attended the games as a spectator, a player of an unrelated sport- field hockey. I was a regular student spectator who paid several dollars to get into every game. I was sad when they lost, and happy when they won- and sure I was passionate, but I never really understood the game as much as I do now.

Something extremely important that I've noticed though is the sense of unity in the team. When we win, we win together. And, when we lose, (which seldom happens, but when it does, is really heartbreaking), we lose together. I remember seeing people pouring out of the stands early at the first game we lost- and it really hurt. I mean, yes, the other team was 4 points ahead with 2 minutes left- but still. Hearing people insult the team or making fun of them really bothered me because I realized this; just because you didn't win or succeed does not mean that you didn't work hard enough.

I don't want you to think that I'm saying losing is okay- because it's not, I mean, we all want to win. That's why we work so hard! We want to be the best. However, be humble, but you still are allowed to feel validated and talented even at your worst, when you just lost or experienced a bad game.

This goes for all sports. Track runners- you are going to have bad races. Soccer players- you will definitely miss a goal once or twice in your life. Swimmers- sometimes, your strokes will be slow. To my home girls, cheerleaders, sometimes- a stunt is going to fall. Mistakes do happen. Sometimes the other team is going to be better. But- do not let your failures and mistakes convince you that you are untalented or lack work ethic.

Even the best players have bad games, races, plays, or days. These days, races, plays, and games do not make you a bad player, teammate, or athlete. The losses, failures, and mistakes which do not kill you should only make you stronger. I know that phrase is overused, but really, consider it. What doesn't knock you dead builds you up, making you much stronger than ever before. Losses are necessary, especially for you, athletes. We need to break before we can shine. We need to lose to realize how badly we want to win.

You are never the best athlete or player that you can possibly be until you've experienced a couple of losses, heartbreaks, failures, and mistakes. The best athletes have had rough patches. When you experience a downfall, you just become even hungrier for success.

Losing will teach you to work harder than ever before. The main thing that you need to do as an athlete is simply staying classy. You can be the best with hard work, but even during your downfalls, maintain a classy, respected reputation. Hard work is super attractive, and so is classiness, elegance, and grace. Lose with dignity- so that when you get back up, people really respect you and are proud of and happy for you. You don't want to be one of those players that people groan about, like "Oh, he's so stuck up. I'm glad he lost." I promise you that you do not want to hear those words after a defeat- it's like kicking someone who's already down!

Losing hurts. But it's going to feel better when you have people on your side. Let people respect you, and stay humble. When we win, we win together, and we win classily. When we lose, we must do the same.

Losing is bittersweet- I know that records are unchangeable once they are in place- but the comeback is real. Get there. Pain is temporary. But success? That lasts forever.