Monday, November 7, 2011

It's Not Always About Winning

Cheer camp, summer 2011 was a great memory. Waking up at 6:00 in the morning to the feel of crisp air blowing on me, knowing I have to hurry and get ready. Walking into the lunch hall to the smell of cinnamon buns and the sound of eggs frying made me so hungry. After running onto what looks like miles of field to the sound of girls screaming and instructers cheering. Every inch of my body has this tingly feeling as if I was getting shocked with excitement. Now all we can do is lay everything on the line and give it our all. As we go through the days cheering the entire time, only getting a drink every hour or so, our
bodies are exhausted. The fact that we are all thriving for this first place trophy makes us forget about our sticky dry throats, our aching bones, the sweat dripping from everyone, and the constant heartbeat you can feel in your head.


Getting ready to perform is the best feeling in the world.

Just looking around at all the girls that you have worked so hard with, you can sense that they believe in you. The birds flying around, the small ants crawling on your legs, the buzz you can feel in your ear every once in a while means nothing when you are standing in your routine formation. Waiting for that first burst of music to start your performance. When it starts everything goes black. There is no more hoping you get it right, it's getting it right and that's it. Nailing every motion and every stunt gives you a sensation as if you just won a Grammy. Seeing everyone's faces while waiting for the announcement of who won makes you sick to your stomach. All we need to hear is that first letter k- and then it's over. But no, instead I hear a strange letter. A 'G'?  This can't be. Then I hear "congratulations Glastonbury on winning first place!" I can feel my heart slide down my throat into my stomach. As I am blinking away the salty tears in my eyes I congratulate the other team. Although we are not screaming with joy, we all know we are still great. Just being with each other is enough. This is what cheerleading means to me. It's not always about whether you win or lose, but the bonds and friendships you make and to grow with the people that you share your blood, sweat, and tears with.

CHEERFULLY YOURS,


Tatiana Rodriguez
Varsity Cheerleader