Wonderful lesson in cheer

This is an essay written by Catherine West from Cheer Athletics. She has granted permission to reprint it.

Write an essay in which you tell us about someone who has made an impact on your life and explain how and why this person is important to you.

To put it simply, I have it pretty easy. I am captain of the cheer squad, in the top 10%, and live in one of the safest, wealthiest cities in the nation. Life is good. Now, this might sound like I am trying to write an essay all about me; however, it is quite the opposite. This is a tribute to Iliana, a 14 year old girl from North Garland. This very girl gave me a huge reality check, and reminded me to never take anything for granted.

I have only known Iliana for a short period of time, being introduced to her at the beginning of July. I am a coach on her cheerleading team, the Cheer Athletics Supercats. This team started as an outreach to special needs kids who don’t usually get the chance to be part of normal activities and sports; however it has been an outreach in my life as well, blessing me in ways I never thought possible. Working with this team has drastically influenced my life. My world has revolved around cheerleading for the past couple of years, as I worked my way onto the number one all girl team in the nation. I pushed myself as an athlete, was my toughest critic, and eventually drove myself into the ground. It was hard being the best, and I struggled to accept that. I started to hate cheerleading. How could something that was supposed to be fun, something I chose to do, become so awful? I was frustrated with myself, constantly reminding myself that I wasn’t good enough. This team had the power to change that, and in particular, Iliana.

At our first practice, I witnessed over twenty special needs kids, all with different physical and mental disabilities coming onto the floor with an excitement and energy that I had never seen. Reality check number one. How could these kids, some who couldn’t even move their legs, have more joy in coming into cheer than me? I have never even broken a bone, but as soon as something would hurt I would try to use it an excuse to get me out of a dreaded practice. Why do I get scared to throw a skill I have had for years, when these kids are begging for us to spot them on a simple handstand, risking all kinds of medical mishaps.

After working with all the kids, one girl stuck out. My first thought when I met Iliana was “wow this girl is crazy”. Today, I am completely jealous of her. Nothing can get her down. She can put a smile on anyone’s face, and is always willing to give you one of her amazing bear hugs. Reality check number two. Here is a girl, suffering from certain mental conditions, but is still more full of life than anyone I know. She can make me laugh more than anyone else, and makes me feel so loved.

The best part of coaching these kids is watching their faces light up not only when they learn a skill, but also when anyone around them learns a new skill. There isn’t any competitiveness between them, no cliques, and no outcasts. They truly represent a team. Most importantly, they are happy. Reality check number three. These kids, who have more than enough reasons to hate life, are happy. They are happy to be alive, and happy to be at cheer for that one hour every Wednesday night. While my teammates and I might see practice as a form of torture, these kids see it as an escape. A break from the doctor’s appointments and the countless surgeries; and safe haven where they are accepted, protected from the prejudices of the world.

I wish every person had the opportunity to work with these amazing kids; get the chance to dance and joke around with Iliana, fighting over who is the biggest goofball. If it wasn’t for her, I would still probably be the athlete who refused to settle for less than perfection, and only worried about me. However, Iliana has given me more than a renewed love for cheerleading. She has made me realize everything I have always taken for granted, taught me to appreciate the little things, and has brought such a joy to my life. For that, I am forever thankful.