The first american cheer leading squads preformed at colleges in the eastern part of the United States during the 1800's. Squad members were all men. During the 1970's cheer leading became a popular sport. Squads focused on strength and stunts. They competed with other cheer leading squads. Then during the early 1980's, cheer leading squads not associated with school or sports leagues, whose main objective was competition, began to emerge. The first organization to call themselves all-stars and go to competitions. This was then called competitive cheer, The people in the squad were called competitive cheer leaders.…
Quite possibly the most significant time of my life was during my senior year as part of the Edison High School football team. The story of our 2006 season is a reflection of my life and testimony to my beliefs and values. Underdogs from day one, we represented not only our school, but also our community and families. Early expectations of the 2006 Eagles were low and the surrounding community was under the belief that Edison would be lucky to go 6-4 with the inexperienced players and the loss of such a talented senior class. Suddenly, I was starting as the outside linebacker/defensive end for the first time in my career along with 18 brand new starters. Unexpectedly, a green group of replacements were 5-0, half-way through our season. After…
In ninth-grade, I was on the C team and my basketball coach explained to me that it was because he wanted to keep me and my sister together. However, my tenth-grade season came and I was again on the C team, while my younger sister was on the JV team. I was devastated. I had never felt like so much of a failure. My younger sister was better than me and I just wanted to quit. But, how could I give up on something I had put so many years into? Then I realized that I am not my sister and her talents are not my talents. I could contribute differently from her. So, I continued to work hard and my efforts paid off. Junior year I was starting for the JV team and it was clear that my improvements are what I truly cared…
Many events throughout an individual's life will help to shape the kind of person they become. These events can be both depressing and inspirational. Examples of life altering events may include the loss of a loved one, the birth of a child, near-death experiences, or even participating in large scale events that comply with either their life goals or career paths. One event that has helped to shape my own life was attending the NHSFR, or National High School Finals Rodeo. I qualified as the only sophomore in bull riding, being the only competitor in the top 8 that was not an outgoing senior that year.…
The most memorable thing that happened to me was when I first discovered what I’m really good at. I came across inspiring Youtube videos of old classic Roller Derby and recent ones that were published only a year ago, I knew from the moment I laid eyes on those quads that I had to try it. In less than two weeks I was a complete natural at skating, I was all about skates. I practiced all the derby stances, exercises, techniques you name it I am absolutely in love with this sport. but as much as I fantasized about doing it I never thought that I’d actually get the chance to be part of their world and have training by the Derby Dames Juniors Freshmeat Association crew, which are ranked the top thirty-one in the united states!…
As a freshman, I made the varsity volleyball team. With this position came a lot of responsibility and pressure. My teammates always looked at me as the “baby”, but they expected me to play at the same level as the seniors. I learned how to deal with difficult personalities and I learned how to commit myself to a team and a sport. I also learned that I was a role model to other teammates and young volleyball players. Just like the Pink Ranger, people looked up to me and I tried to lead by example throughout my volleyball career.…
An event I've experienced that was life changing was when I obtained the rank of Eagle Scout from the Boy Scouts of America. It was an affirmation of years of disciplined work and study to have such a prestigious honor bestowed upon me. In scouting, I developed various moral and ethical tenants that have shaped my foundation in life. Tenants like integrity, honor, reverence, faith in God, a man's role and his responsibility to his family, and a nearly innumerable quantity of experiences growing under the leadership of the Boy Scouts of America have molded me into who I am today in my very core of being. The realization of my dream to become an Eagle Scout took 11 years to obtain, so I'm no stranger to adversity or perseverance. To my memory,…
During my senior season I slide into third base our first game of the year and jammed my shoulder. I had to go to the doctors and they said it was very inflamed and that I would have to sit out for most of the season. Being my last year in high school that news really brought me down. When I went to the next game I realized that I could not contribute on the field, but I could have a great influence on the players in and from the dugout. I cheered on my teammates at every game and during every inning until I could finally return to play at the end of the year. That experience taught me that no matter what happens there is always another way to positively impact someone, you just have to clear your mind and…
I had tried out for the Blue Guards drill team the very first week of school with many other people who wanted to be on the team as much as I did. I worked really hard to be apart of the team. Never in my life have I ever tried that hard to be apart of a wonderful opportunity. It was a weeklong process of drilling, knowledge, leadership, and discipline. This week long tryouts not only showed everyone how hard I worked for a spot on the team but I proved to myself that if I wanted something bad enough I could work my hardest and achieve it.…
I knew something was serious and my parents came and drove me to the hospital. At the hospital they told me my appendix was about to burst and I would have to have emergency surgery. For the next 6 weeks I was mandated to sit out as I watched my senior season slip through my fingertips. I sat at home for the first week and reflected on how my attitude should be when I come back. I came to the conclusion I was still the leader of the team and even if I wasn’t able to play, I could still lead the team and show my commitment through continuous support. It was not easy. Watching your whole school cheer on everyone else, knowing you are the game changer sitting on the sideline because of a fluke body reaction. Through all of this I learned to fight through hard times and be positive and work hard because when I was able to return, I was more than ready. In the final game I played and my first game back, I rushed for 197 yards, two touchdowns, and led the defense in tackles. I can truly say I have never been more proud of myself and not only was it because I worked hard to recover from my injury, but because I showed my teammates that I would not give up and I would stick by them and do everything possible. It was a bittersweet feeling to leave the field for my last high school football game, but it was definitely more sweet than…
As a team, everyone worked their hardest to perform to the best of their abilities. Although we had our serious times, the team became the family I had desired. Unlike my birth family, this new family was considerate enough to listen to my problems and thoughts, and give me advice on what I should do with my life. Not only did I create strong bonds with my team members, but I felt my self esteem escalating. I was able to grow as a strong human being and think and speak for myself for the first time in my life. After years of being shunned by my family and bullied by my classmates, I was able to be myself and embrace who I truly am.…
In the 7th grade I tried out for the middle school basketball team. I didn’t make the team, so I decided to try out for the wrestling team. I was in pretty good shape going into the first practice but had no idea what I was getting myself into. It was an excruciating first practice with a lot of running, push-ups, and drills that consisted of constant movement. I was hooked though I loved the idea of one on one combat. When the referee blew the whistle, no one could help me, if I wanted to win I had to rely on myself. After my first wrestling season came to an end, I was much more confident in myself. Not only was I in better physical shape, the mental toughness that came with the sport transferred to my academics.…
No longer did I want to be that person who deserved to be moved down to a deemed “loser” team. No longer did I want to be someone who failed academically, socially, and with family. Of course it took some time, but I gradually became someone who tried their very hardest in most aspects of their life. My confidence soared when I experienced spectacular things happening as I worked towards the things that I wanted. For example, I left the hardship I had experienced in middle school or my freshmen year of high school in the dust and gained my academic letter and beyond. The following sophomore year I made the varsity soccer team and made many new friends. Ashley doesn’t know it but her slap-in-the-face remark to me on that hot afternoon on top of the soccer field changed how I view my worth to the world. Everyday since that significant moment, I have been working to prove anyone who doesn’t believe I can achieve great things through hard work…
That first year on the team I learned how to become a better person and how to make friends. Also that year the team went to a high school dance team national competition and we won with the highest score ever given to the team. But none of those events could have prepared me for what was next to come in the career of my high school dance team. Six months later we found out that we would be on Americas Got Talent. It was so exciting that a bunch of high school teenagers…
Personal experience’s can change people in the sense of who they are and sometimes their perspective on life depending on the situation. Personally I have had one experience that has made me realize many things in life and I will never be able to forget it. Soccer season of 2012-2013 school year, all my hard work and dedication during season had practically went down the drain. Physically and emotionally the worst pain I have ever felt knowing it was three days before the biggest game of the year, district finals. Everything I had worked hard for every day after school had no meaning.…