Undergraduate / "Cheerleading has helped me" - Notre Dame Supplement [21]

4. Tell us about a time when you have surprised others or yourself by doing something unexpected.

As I entered a new school my junior year, my shy nature prevented me from quickly making friends. I formed a friendship with a girl on the cheerleading squad, who encouraged me to try out, but, never having cheered before, I was hesitant. Yelling loudly, dancing in front of large crowds, and doing stunts in the air did not seem like me at all. I persuaded myself to try out, and surprisingly found that I loved every part of it. ability to follow rhythms allowed me to excel at the dance routines, and flying through the air in stunts was actually really exhilarating. Knowing my reserved nature, my friends were so surprised that I had become a peppy cheerleader. And I was astounded myself! I am so grateful that I convinced myself to do something so against my personality. Cheerleading has helped me come out of my shell and become more involved at my new school. Looking back on this experience, I realize that while stepping out of my comfort zone can be terrifying, I learned a valuable life lesson in the process.