Undergraduate / cheerleading: Common Application Short Answer [2]

Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experience in the space below or on an attached sheet. (150 words or less)

'Just yell,' they said. Little did they know that cheerleading requires endurance, strength and flexibility. I took up cheerleading when I was in Grade 8. I was always known as the "fat" kid in school because of my brain tumor disorder that influenced my eating habits. The rejection from those around me gave me an urge to gain attention, confidence and popularity through cheerleading. Although I lacked flexibility and coordination, my mind told me that cheerleading was my only way out of the dejected days. I practiced splits and cartwheels daily in my room and ignored the unremitting pain whenever I could feel a muscle tear. During the try-outs, the other cheerleaders looked at me with sheer disbelief. Nonetheless, I was successfully accepted to the school cheerleading team. Never would I have believed that the value of perseverance and determination would bring me this far in achieving a valuable experience.

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