A Defining Decision

I have to preface my story from 9th grade with a little explanation from middle school. Just before the end of 6th grade, the middle school distributed activities information to incoming students. I attended a cheerleading informational meeting with my mom. At the meeting, the coaches explained expectations in terms of time commitment, costs, and physical abilities. My mom balked at the time commitment and cost of camps, uniforms, and trips. My stomach turned when I heard all girls were expected to be able to tumble, do toe-touches, and the like, before they ever tried out. We didn’t pursue that activity. I did join the middle school color-guard, whose try-outs happened after the school year started, whose uniforms were borrowed, and whose only trips were to the local holiday parade and the one in our neighboring city. I can’t say this with certainty, but I’m pretty sure everyone who “tried out” made the team. It was much less stress-inducing.
At the end of 8th grade, the high school color-guard coaches distributed information about try-outs as they recruited incoming freshmen. I wasn’t sure about this gamble. Try-outs took place over 3 days, during which potential team members would learn flag twirling techniques, dance choreography, and marching commands. There WOULD be cuts. Was I up for the potential disappointment?


In the end, I decided to risk it. I spent 3 sweltering afternoons in the high school gym with my best friend from middle school color guard trying to memorize moves, learn marching drills, and not look totally uncoordinated doing it. My efforts were rewarded with a spot on the team and the promise of many summer practices to come.


What made this a defining decision was that I spent all 4 years of high school involved in with the color-guard and marching band. I went to two summer camps for technique and team-building. I went on three spring band trips for competitions around the country. I attended every home football game, performed at half-time, and belted out the alma-mater with my teammates at the end. I travelled by bus to field and floor competitions around the state. I wore my uniform on spirit Fridays and performed at pep-rallies. I became a co-captain and learned leadership skills. I tested my bravery by choreographing and performing solo routines. I developed close friendships and survived cliques.

A field show performance

At summer spirit camp

My snazzy uniform - yes, those are feathers on my head...

My place on the tall-flag team defined much of my high school career: my friendships, my free-time, many of my dates, and most of all my sense of pride and belonging. It had its ups and downs, but it was an experience I’ll treasure, and I’d never go back and trade it for the cheerleading team.