Cheerleading has had a tremendously positive impact on my life. It has taught me valuable life lessons and helped me develop essential skills that have made me a better person. From teamwork to time management, cheerleading has given me a comprehensive education on what it takes to succeed. Firstly, cheerleading has taught me the value of teamwork. In cheerleading, you are only as good as your team. The success of a routine is dependent on every team member's efforts and abilities. Through cheerleading, I have learned how to work well with others, communicate effectively, and trust in my teammates. These skills are not only important in cheerleading but also in life, whether it be in the workplace or in personal relationships. Additionally, cheerleading has helped me develop a strong work ethic. Cheerleading is not an easy sport, and it requires a significant amount of practice and dedication. I have learned how to manage my time effectively to balance schoolwork, social life, and cheerleading commitments. This skill has proven to be valuable in my academic and work life as well. Furthermore, cheerleading has taught me to push myself to my limits. In cheerleading, we are constantly challenged to learn new skills and perfect old ones. I have learned how to set achievable goals and work towards them tirelessly until they are accomplished. This determination has carried over into other aspects of my life, allowing me to excel in various areas. Cheerleading has also helped me build self-confidence. Through cheerleading, I have learned to perform in front of large audiences, which can be intimidating. This has helped me develop the confidence to speak in public and express myself more effectively. Additionally, I have learned how to accept constructive criticism, which has helped me improve in all aspects of my life. Finally, cheerleading has given me a sense of community. Cheerleading teams are like families, and the bonds created through the sport are strong and long-lasting. I have made some of my closest friends through cheerleading, and the support and encouragement we provide for each other are invaluable. Knowing that I have a group of people who are always there for me has been a significant source of comfort and joy in my life. In conclusion, cheerleading has had a significant positive impact on my life. It has taught me valuable life lessons and helped me develop essential skills such as teamwork, time management, determination, self-confidence, and community building. I am grateful for the experiences and friendships I have gained through cheerleading, and I believe that the skills I have learned will continue to benefit me throughout my life.

Personal growth is a topic few people choose to embrace and yet one of the most important. I suffered mentally through a toxic relationship and will never view myself as the weak-minded individual I was again. It was a time of hatred for myself, my friends, my family, and the things I loved doing. Since then, I have focused most of my time on my mental and personal growth; I invested nine months into the dedication to therapy. Unfortunately, my therapist found a different company, and I could not continue being her patient. Although I was saddened, I grew remarkably from those months of talking to her. I understood I had a right to my opinions, body, and actions. I attempt to complete something hobby-related every day. I have recently learned I thoroughly enjoy books, it helps me relax and clears my mind. I have also discovered that baking helps with my creativity. My family is not one to be able to bake from scratch, but I have gained the skills to put my ideas to reality. Knowing my past, I have built the courage to acknowledge and vocalize my feelings. The strength that was once inside me has returned and has proven superior to before. Considering I overcame one of the darkest times in my life, I have surprised myself with how often I fight for my opinions. I have become a person who no longer gives up regularly. As many know, attending college will be one of the biggest obstacles in a young person's life. I have had the advantage of taking dual enrollment classes throughout high school to prepare myself for what I should expect come entering college. I have grown to be very independent due to my strong work ethic which will indefinitely benefit me when I enter the workforce. As a teenager, I encounter responsibilities that commonly occur during adulthood; therefore, I am learning to properly manage these situations for when I experience them later in life. Previously, I was consistently involved with my parish’s soup kitchen. As my responsibilities have expanded, I regrettably have dismissed myself from this volunteering effort. Once I am settled into college, one of my goals is to become engaged with another soup kitchen to help those in need. I plan on continuing this aspiration after graduation from college. As someone who has first-hand experienced the struggle of money, I additionally plan to help out around Christmas time for families who struggle to afford gifts for their children. Although several acts of service cannot be accomplished now, I have made it my mission to be a giver in this world where many do not understand the idea of kindness.