I have been a dancer since I was just 3-years-old. Dance is such an incredible way to not only get in great shape and stay active but to be able to have that creative outlet where you are able to express yourself. Through dance I have been fortunate enough to have made friendships that I know will last a lifetime. Because dance has always been such a huge part of my life, I couldn't imagine stopping when I went to college. So I didn't.

During my senior year of high school I decided to audition for my college's dance team in April. I came from a studio that does not do competition dance so this experience of dancing in front of judges was very new to me. The audition process was definitely nerve racking but I knew that no matter what the outcome was, it would be a great experience. Time came to announce the 2015 - 2016 team and I made it! I was ecstatic! That first day of meeting 21 new teammates and knowing that I would have these girls by my side for my freshman year of college made me so excited to start school that fall!

Through dance team I was able to have experiences my freshman year of college that not many people can say they had! For starters, our football team had an amazing season! Dancing at football games is not something I was used to coming from a studio. Having the opportunity to dance at sold out games in front of crowds of 70,000 people is unbelievable. That is something I never would've dreamed I'd get the chance to do. College Game Day also came to our school that year and we participated in many events surrounding that which was one of the most exciting days of the year for our whole school! Our team even made it to a bowl game where we got the chance to fly down to Boca Raton, Florida and dance at that game which was HUGE. During basketball season, some of us were even lucky enough to get to travel to New York City and cheer on the basketball team at the NCAA game during March Madness.

Not only do we dance at games but we also take part in newscasts, volunteer events on campus and in the city, as well as competing at our own competition for Nationals. The preparation it takes to get ready for nationals can be brutal and exhausting at times. But going through this tough time with your team brings everyone so much closer. Especially when at the competition it all becomes worth it because you know that together you all gave it your best and danced your hearts out on that stage. You stop dancing for yourself as an individual and begin to dance for your teammates.

I absolutely love being a part of a team that helps bring so much school spirit and excitement to our community. Being involved with a group of girls who share your passion for something and who you can always turn to is so vital. During college there may be times when you aren't having the best day or you aren't feeling very motivated but having a team there to support you and push you to be the best you can be is amazing. You don't do it for yourself, you do it for your team.