Personality Influenced by Cheerleading by Hunter

Personality Influenced by Cheerleading by Hunter - December 2013 Scholarship Essay

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” Howard Thurman epitomized my very outlook. To be consumed with an intensity, a focus, an explainable drive, is so rare a gift that it is often overlooked. However, somewhere along the way to where passion matters the most, we lose it. Kids grow up and convince themselves they cannot do what they love for a variety of irrelevant reasons. We aren't smart enough, dedicated enough, able enough; it becomes a mantra. Dreamers lose the fervor they once thrived on, and make more dependable and safe choices. College becomes training for a job that will, inevitably, reflect our society’s need for comfort and stability. America needs people who have managed to hold onto that last scrap of infatuation with achievement and hope. I am one of these people. Through my participation in cheerleading I have honed dedication, increased my urge to help others along the way, and developed an inextinguishable passion for success.

A great example of my dedication is reflected directly by the goals met during my high school career. For example, I am entering my senior year with a 4.0 GPA, and this is credited solely to perseverance and high expectations of myself that have been set over time. To be average is an unacceptable notion. By prioritizing and keeping my future goals in the forefront of my mind, I have been able to maintain the high standard I hold myself to. Knowledge is nothing short of a gift, and although I won’t bluff and say every second of public school has been terrific, it has definitely been appreciated. Cheerleading has played a large role in keeping myself driven. In order to be eligible, or be able to participate in practices/games, I must maintain strong grades.

Secondly, I am a philanthropist at heart. There is no greater joy, to me, than making someone else truly happy. I am so easily moved by others emotions that if an opportunity to help someone along their own personal journey arises, I won’t even think twice. It is also equally important to give back to the community, in my opinion. My hometown, Salina, has given me so much, and it would be nothing short of selfish to not reciprocate. Cheerleading represents unappreciated hard work; you spend hours boosting the morale of others, to be ignored as a sport, and shunned as an activity. I will carry this mindset of boosting others with me everywhere I go, for the rest of my life, whether it be my future hometown or my field of profession.

Lastly, and most importantly, I have a true passion for the future. I attack my goals with a zeal that is undeniable by teachers, friends, and family. I want to provide for myself and experience the luxury of being comfortable financially, but more importantly I want to make an impact. I intend on continuing my education into law school after earning my bachelors; whether I become a criminal lawyer, politician, or campaign manager, I’ll put forth the same amount of effort. The amount of effort that only a person truly in love with their field of work can offer. Through my participation in cheer, I have learned that the only way to give back as fully as possible, is to be 100% invested, to believe in your cause. After all, this country belongs to the dreamers; it belongs to me. Fueled with the genuine desire to make a difference and improve society; I will strive for excellence and stop at nothing short of perfection.

“...all it takes is all we have and even though that might sound like too steep a price, all we have is always more than all we need and there will always be something to spare, something more to give when giving is no longer in season and the gifts of our generosity of long since spoiled...” Tyler Knott Gregson exquisitely reflected the morale of a utopia. If everyone lived by this standard then the world we inhabit would be a different place. If everyone was driven, philanthropic, and willing, our country would know no limits. If only everyone was passionate then maybe perfection wouldn’t seem so unattainable. By demonstrating my dedication, desire to help others, and above all, true passion, I have reflected my personality as cheerleading has made it.