In my life there have been many ups and downs. I'm sure that you have heard them all, the death of a family member or beloved pet, the life altering break-up, and the all-too-common divorce. I am no different. I have gone through all of these as well, but somewhere along the way my story changed. I think it all started when a few of my friends convinced me to try something new, a new sport, cheerleading. Now, I know what your thinking, "cheerleading? A sport?" Herein lies the challenge I have taken on.
             Many years ago cheerleaders were revered as goddesses. You know the ones, the tall blonde bombshell that stole your heart or your boyfriend freshman year. They dated the captain of the football team, were named prom queen and were invited to all the cool parties. They were the ideal. They represented what everyone wished they were but could never be. Today things are a little different.
             This became overwhelmingly apparent to me when ice, wrappers, change and even cups were hurled from the stands, hitting us as we cheered at the first football game of my freshman year. My worst fears were confirmed when an administrator not so subtly told us that the teachers, students, and administrators all knew we were the "scum of the school." After this eye opening conversation my team and I made it our goals to change that image we had somehow acquired since our above-mentioned days of glory.
             As a team we have gone about making this huge and miraculous change in a manner of ways. We practice three to five times a week for two hours, we have given up our summers to three hour practices everyday, we lift in the weight room twice a week, all this along with coming to every home soccer, volleyball, wrestling, basketball, swimming, gymnastics, and football game. You think that's a busy schedule? We also have competitions of our own. We have gone to two regional competitions, one state competition, and will b...