It was very hard transferring to a new school my sophomore year. I thought that making friends at West Charlotte High School would be hard, which is one of the reasons I tried out for the cheer team my sophomore year. My hard work paid off when I made Junior Varsity despite the fact that I had no prior experience cheering. When cheer season ended, I was picked as rookie of the year by my Head Coach. I was very proud of myself and my accomplishments that season, I couldn't wait for cheer season to start up again. Junior year rolled around quickly and with it, so did tryouts. On the last night of tryouts, I remember not seeing my number posted on the Instagram Post that revealed the team. My first thoughts were all centered around what everyone would say when they inevitably found out I didn’t make the team. Seeing all my teammates post their numbers and receiving texts asking if I made the team really forced me to confront something I had been avoiding for so long. I never realized that I cared so much about what others thought of me. My confidence had always depended on external validation. My Head Coach soon reached my mom that she’d be willing to put me on Junior Varsity and train me up. Of course, I initially said no. In my mind, there was no way everyone I cheered with on junior varsity was promoted and I couldn’t level up too. Sooner or later, I put my pride aside and made a different choice. My choice shocked my coach, my parents, my teammates, and myself. I chose to join the team as an 11th grader on junior varsity. I took on the role on JV as a team leader. I tried to be someone my teammates could rely on, to encourage them and lead by example. Every game and practice I could remember, I left in tears. I was always comparing myself to the girls on Varsity, constantly doubting myself, my ability to lead, and I felt like I was slowly but surely losing myself. And although I wished I was in their position, I supported my teammates on Varsity as well. I attended every single game and supported them with a smile on my face even when I wanted nothing more than to be where they were. I begged my mom to let me quit, but she wouldn’t let me. This time a year ago, I thought I’d never forgive her for it. Looking back, it was truly the best decision she could’ve made for me. This experience taught me one of the most important lessons about myself. I am so much stronger than my desire for approval. I learned how to build confidence from within instead of depending on others to give it to me. While I am still growing, I truly understand that my worth is not determined by a spot on a team or anyone else’s decisions. Stepping into that unexpected leadership role shaped me into a more resilient and self-aware person. It taught me how to lead with empathy and confidence. Most importantly, it showed me that growth doesn’t come from being chosen, but from choosing yourself.