Thowback to High School by Allison

Thowback to High School by Allison - March 2015 Scholarship Essay

My palms are sweating and my heart is about to jump out of my chest. We are holding hands waiting for the results. Our name is not called. We will not be going to nationals.

Just two hours ago my team had been chanting, smiling and preparing to perform their routine. I recalled the girls running out onto the stage as I sat in front of them biting my nails, and praying their routine would be flawless. They performed the best I had ever seen; I was ecstatic. A rubber band had even snapped right off my braces from yelling in excitement.

But now, tears of disappointment begin to roll down our faces. For months I had been coaching a group of young girls on the Ocoee Bulldog cheer team, and today was the day they got to show off everything I had taught them. I had not realized how much coaching meant to me until I found myself trying to hold back the tears when our name was not called. What had started out as an activity to obtain community service hours, turned out to be a huge part of my life.

Although we were not able to advance on to the next competition, we did not lose. As their coach, I taught them how to perfect their lines, work as a team and respect authority. But at the same time they taught me patience, commitment and leadership.

Coaching a team that already has the skills needed to win is simple. Just as taking a class that requires little effort is simple. But striving to accomplish things that challenge us is how we gain knowledge and life experience. I have learned that as I move forward in my life, it is important to set high goals for myself and not to get discouraged if they are not met the first time.

As a coach, I hoped I would choreograph an awarding winning routine and that we would go on to win first place at nationals. Despite my best effort, our season came to an end. But I accomplished something far more valuable than any trophy or title. I learned that some of the most rewarding things in life aren't always attained in the manner we expect.

As a student at the University or Florida in the Elementary Education Program, I have received straight A's my last 8 semesters (have attended two summer semesters), and carry at GPA of 3.78. I have built strong relationships with my professors and have become a leader to those in my Education College, encouraging them never to give up, to push through challenges and to accept that one poor grade does not constitute failure. Even through "failure" (i.e. not winning the Championship), I learned a great deal.

Leadership is learned behavior that becomes unconscious and automatic over time. Leaders often can make several important decisions about an issue in the time it takes others to understand the question. I don't look at how hard something is, I look at the end result. Through leadership I have able to teach others that once we graduate we will have a very rewarding career with the opportunity to support ourselves, but to pay it forward and make a difference in the lives of many young children. This will not only affect those children's futures, but the future of our Nation.

So yes, leadership is necessary in college. I imagine all of our palms will be sweaty once again when we stand in front of our own classrooms for the very first time, but I am reminded of the quote: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." ~ Margaret Mead

Thank you for your consideration.

Allison Schaefer