How Joining the Cheer Team Built My Confidence and Community

When coming to the school I was interested in joining the cheer team. I was kind of nervous but my friend influenced me to join because she was on the team. My mind was hesitant because I was nervous. When the week of tryouts came I encouraged myself to go to tryouts.

During tryouts I was still a bit nervous. Being around many girls wasn’t new to me because I used to be on an Allstar cheerleading team, but I haven’t been around many girls in a while. We had to learn a dance in order to try out and we had about a week and a half to learn it. I practiced the dance with the girl I was originally joining with and a few other new friends. We came back on the tryout date and we had to dance. The next week I found out that I made the team and I was so happy, I couldn’t wait to continue my journey.

Now, I am much more comfortable with everyone on the team around me. I have been able to talk to each girl 1 on 1. The team is very welcoming. So far, we have learned many cheers and dances. Right now we are preparing for the homecoming game that is coming soon, so we will have to perform for that. Learning new cheers and dances every week can sometimes be overwhelming but it is all worth it in the end.