When my twin sister and I tried out for the basketball cheerleading team our freshman year of high school with absolutely no cheer experience, we weren't expecting to make the team. I had always wanted to be a cheerleader in high school, so when I actually made the team I was really excited. What I did not know at the time is how much of an impact high school cheerleading would have on my experience in high school and beyond. There are many things I learned through cheerleading, and I will always be thankful that I decided to give it a shot my first year of high school.

Cheerleading taught me to work hard.

In order to be a part of my cheerleading team, being a hard worker that is dedicated is required. Through weekly practices and games, cheerleading was a big part of my schedule, but I wouldn't trade it in for anything. I am thankful for cheer because it taught me to dedicate myself to things I love to do. Through cheer, I learned to work hard at the things I am already good at, and work harder at the things I could do a bit better. Cheer definitely made me a more determined person.

Cheerleading taught me how to work with others.

As a team captain for my last two years of high school and a team member for my first two, I learned how to work with all different type of people through cheerleading. I learned how to lead a team of people with different personalities, and how to listen to others ideas and suggestions. While there were definitely bumps in the road, my team always figured out a way to resolve things.

Cheerleading taught me to appreciate my high school years.

Being a part of my cheerleading team was one of the most fun parts of my high school career. Whether it be getting ready together before games, going to Friendly's after our last game, or laughing and chatting in the hall after our half time routine, the little moments I shared with my team are ones I will never forget. At my senior game, I realized how much I would miss cheer and how much it impacted my life. Tears were definitely shed that night, but it made me realize how much I needed to appreciate my final moments in high school.