As a retired cheerleader, the all-star competition season coming to a start is bringing back the nostalgia of the huge part of my life that ended upon going to college. Looking back, the role cheerleading played has taught me things I will keep with me forever, and has given me memories I could never forget. For that, I owe cheerleading a thank you.

Thank you for teaching me that hard work beats talent. Coming from a small gym with some huge hearts, there's no doubt that we had to work harder than most to obtain success. Faced with obstacle after obstacle, we only grew stronger, and that came from nothing short of blood, sweat and tears.

Thank you for teaching me to fake a smile when it's the last thing you want to be doing. No matter if you've just taken a hit to the head, your ankle's swollen to double it's size, or you know half way through the routine that last place is a sure thing, you finish with a smile on your face.

Thank you for teaching me that every once in a while there will be fights and disagreement, and you're going to have to work with someone you can't stand, but only through maturity can you work together to achieve your mutual goals.

Thank you for teaching me dedication, and giving me consistency through an otherwise hectic high school life. After a long day of stress, cheerleading was always there to take your mind off things, where nothing matters but your team and your goals.

Thank you for showing me that some of the greatest moments come from when you don't thing you've got any strength left in you. Pushing that extra 10% my team didn't know it had is when we achieved greatness.

A special thank you to my coaches, for teaching me to always stand and cheer for the winner; Even when the winner is not you.

Thank you for giving me my sisters. The second family I've gained from cheerleading are people I will carry with me forever. There's no such thing as being an only child when you've got 20+ teammates that love you to death.