Varsity Cheerleading

Hours: 50

Area: Action

Date: August 2012-April 2013

Learning Outcomes: Increase my awareness of my own strengths and area for growth, undertake new challenges, plan and initiate activities, work collaboratively with others, show perseverance and commitment in my activities, develop new skills.

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This year, I completed my third year on Millbrook's Varsity Cheerleading Squad. Although the year brought many challenges and changes, I enjoyed spending my time cheering on the Wildcats and competing in two competitions. This year started off with the challenge of a new coach who wanted us to do things different. I quickly learned that while it was hard to change the way I stunt and tumble, I was able to adjust rather quickly and hop right back into things. I also was named the junior captain, so I had to face the challenge of staying organized and making sure that cheers were always being called at games, girls were always on their best behavior, and that something was waiting in the locker room for the football team before each game. My strengths for organization and for keeping things under control were recognized here. I also had to learn to work with my fellow captains to make sure that everyone had a say and got a chance to express their own 

opinion. We also had to make sure that we split work evenly between us so that no one was ever stressed or overwhelmed by what they had to do. Throughout the season, I continued to work on my tumbling and stunting, to a point where I was able to develop new skills, including my "whip to tuck" tumbling pass and different body positions for stunting. I also learned how to work under pressure, as our coach resigned and a new coach was brought in during the middle of the season. I had to step up and become a better leader and be able to help our new coach when this occurred. However, it did not take long for this work to become overwhelming. At times, I found it hard to stay positive and look at the brighter side of things, and during times like this I really had to persevere and make sure that I was working my hardest at all times. Overall, I believe that my junior season on the Millbrook Varsity Cheerleading Squad was a success. I was able to not only work together with two awesome coaches and an amazing squad to better ourselves, but I also became a better me. By learning new skills and strengthening my organization and leadership abilities. As the end of the season rolled around, I found myself counting down the days until the next one.  I can't wait for the chance to finish out my final cheerleading season at Millbrook!!