Why Is Cheer Important To Me

High school athletics have impacted every aspect of my life, including my overall perception of myself. Personally, my entire high school career has been dedicated to cheerleading. Participating in this sport all four years of high school has provided me with opportunities to meet new people and improved leadership skills. I have learned the value of team building, dedication, responsibility, and determination. As I look back on all of the hard work, sweat and tears left on the cheerleading mats, I also recognize those who gave up their time to help me and how that has led me to help others. Cheer has changed my life in a way that nothing else could have.

As a cheerleader, the word “leadership” takes on a whole new meaning. On the mats, in the classroom and in the community, leadership is a crucial element of my role. Being a captain of my varsity team my senior year and being a coach to younger athletes, it is necessary for me to have good leadership skills. I have always been very shy so I may not be a good vocal leader, but I try my very best to lead by example. As captain, it is my job to facilitate the success of others by working hard, remaining positive, and encouraging my …show more content…
After months of physical therapy, my back slowly became stronger. My primary doctor continually told me to quit cheering but I couldn’t give up the fight that easy. Unfortunately, it wasn’t too much longer until I suffered multiple very serious concussions and sprained my neck. After several visits to the emergency room, various physicians, and a neurologist, we learned that my days of cheerleading were over. There is permanent bruising and scarring over my frontal lobe. I spent my senior year sitting on the sidelines and supporting my teammates. This has been a major building block in my life and has taught me how to maintain a positive attitude, persevere even in hard times, and never take things for