Cheer Me On

By: Norah Lazetera

Something that I’m highly passionate about and dedicated towards that plays an impactful role in my life is cheer. Growing up I’ve always admired the concept of cheerleading and I aspired to be a cheerleader when I was older. 

When I eventually got to high school freshman year I wanted to see if I could try out to become a part of the YB cheer team. Unfortunately by the time I had heard about tryouts they were over and the team was already set for that year. But that didn’t stop me from giving up and I never lost the strong determination that flowed through me.

 I would always attend the school's football games and seeing the cheerleaders doing what they do really just gave me more reason to want to become part of the team. Sophomore year came around and I had heard about try outs for the new season but they were already four days into try out practice meaning I had only one day left to attend. 

I was thinking about it all day wondering if I should go and I was having second thoughts. I was anxious and asked myself, What if I’m not good enough? Will I even make the team? I talked to my friends who were also trying out and they had faith in me and that helped me find faith in myself. I then pushed those negative thoughts and feelings aside and just went for it.

I learned the material as best as I could. I even stayed after practice ended with the coach Vanessa and other veteran cheerleaders and they helped me so much by being patient with me and taking the time out of their day to teach me. That whole weekend I was practicing the material over and over until I got it right. Monday came and it was time for me to try out, so I did. The results were shared a couple days later and I had found out I made the team along with my friends. I felt euphoric and I was so grateful.

This changed so many things for me. When I made the team I became friends with so many girls that I’ve never talked to before and it made me feel comfortable knowing that we all share similar goals and passions, one being cheer. Practicing with my team gave me a sense of community and friendship that I've truly never felt before up until then. I’ve made so many wonderful memories with beautiful people that will forever be cherished. Driving to get food before games. Taking silly pictures in our uniforms together after cheering. All of it.

Cheer easily became the safest place to go to for me and I feel so happy that I get to learn and grow along with my teammates who are doing the same. Even If I’m having a bad day I'll show up to practice and immediately feel better because it motivates me to keep going. Performing dances and stunts on the sidelines and on the field fills me with this rush of intense joy that will forever hold a special place in my heart. I’ll always have so much love and devotion for cheer.