Being a Positive Healthy Team Player to the Local Community. by Erika

Being a Positive Healthy Team Player to the Local Community. by Erika - December 2013 Scholarship Essay

While in school I participated in cheerleading as my extracurricular activity. This extracurricular activity has impacted me in many different ways. Actually in more ways than I could have imagined. Cheerleaders are known for cheering on their team no matter what situation they are in, and being a role model for their school, yet cheerleading has changed me in other ways. There are three main ways that cheerleading has impacted my life; living a positive healthy lifestyle, how to be a team player, and the importance of giving back to the community.

While being a cheerleader, staying healthy and having a positive lifestyle was very important to my coaches and my teammates. The first few weeks of practice was getting into shape, there was running and conditioning. During this time I realize that it was important to workout and eat healthy all the time not just when cheerleading was happening, yet all year long. I still make sure I find time to workout and eat as healthy as possible.

While learning how to stunt, when we placed our teammates into the air, I also learned how to be a team player. There were times that I learned how to perform a specific stunt and then my coach would ask me to switch with someone else. There were times that I was frustrated because I had become comfortable with that part, yet I knew it was best for the team. Being a team player is very important to me know. One person can only get so much done by them selves, yet when multiply people pitch in that is when more can get done. We could become a better team when everyone set their own problems aside and think about what is best for the team.

While learning how to be a team player, I also learned that it is just as important to give back. There are those out there that come out and support our team or the team that we are supporting and I found that it was important to also give back. I volunteered with hospitals and local soup kitchens. Doing this also made me realize how I need to be grateful for what I am given in my own life. I found that when everyone continues to give back the more positive energy that will surround you and those around you. I still volunteer in my local community and will continue to do so for as long as I live.

Cheerleading has taught me many life lessons that I will continue to practice in my life. Living a healthy positive lifestyle, being a team player anywhere I go, and giving back to the community that I live in. I encourage people who are younger than me to get involved with their community and their school. Cheerleading is an experience that I would not take back for anything.