August 2010 Cheerleader of the Month: Tarin Moses

We were so impressed with 19-year-old Tarin Moses from the University of Florida that we just had to learn more about her. Here’s what our latest Cheerleader of the Month had to say about life, school and cheer.

AC: What were you thinking the first time you walked out onto the University of Florida field?

Tarin: The cheerleaders do a pre-game routine that consists of stunts, dances and leading the crowd in traditions, such as our two-bits cheer. My favorite part of this is when all the girls are in a pyramid formation, the guys have the flags and we tumble across the entire field with the football team running behind us.

After getting over the initial shock of all the screaming fans, the first thing I thought was “Oh my goodness, DO NOT tumble into that camera guy, and please let me tumble fast enough to not be mauled by the football team!”

AC: What sports do you cheer for?
Tarin: I cheer for home football games and home and away men’s basketball. Football is without a doubt my favorite, though, because our crowd is out of control and they make everything so exciting!

AC: How would you describe cheerleading in five words or less?
Tarin: Something that changed my life!

AC: Do people respect the cheerleaders at your school?
Tarin: I think people respect the cheerleaders at UF. I also think there are still people who think cheerleading isn’t a sport, and I wish they’d realize how hard we work.

AC: When you’re not cheering, what do you like to do with your time?
Tarin: I have to study, A LOT! I also love doing things with my sorority and going to baseball games. My boyfriend is one of the pitchers, and my closest friends on the team are dating players as well, so we all go to the games together and have a blast.

AC: What should people know about you?
Tarin: That I have a big heart and would do anything to make you smile!

AC: You’re a UF Gator…any live mascots at your school?
Tarin: I heard that a long time ago we did have a live alligator—but not anymore. I wish we did, though!

AC: What do you think is the biggest misconception about cheerleaders?
Tarin: That we’re stupid. I cheer with some of the smartest people at UF. There’s a guy on our team who’s in his second year of dental school, a girl in pharmacy school and our captain just got into Duke’s P.A school! We really are a bright group, and that’s because to be a cheerleader, you have to get into the school before you can try out.

AC: What are you obsessed with right now?
Tarin: Headbands and bows! I can’t resist buying them whenever I see them in stores.

AC: What was it like coming to New York for the AC cover shoot?
Tarin: New York City was so amazing! I hadn’t been since I was really young so it was like going for the first time. Everyone at the shoot was so awesome and they really made me feel like I was doing a good job! It was an experience I’ll never forget.

AC: What made you decide to apply for Cheerleader of the Month?
Tarin: An old coach of mine asked me to write an essay about cheerleading, but didn’t tell me what it was for, so it was a total shock when I got the call about coming to the shoot!

AC: What was your reaction when you were told that you were our August cover girl?
Tarin: At first I was speechless because I was caught completely off-guard. Once it sank in and I realized what I’d just been told, I was so excited and couldn’t wait to tell my friends and family! I called my mom first and then my boyfriend, best friend and a teacher of mine from high school!

AC: What are you looking forward to doing as COM?
Tarin: I want to inspire other cheerleaders to follow their dreams of one day being a college cheerleader. I know it may seem unattainable, but if you put your mind to it, anything’s possible. If I can inspire just one person to follow their dreams, I’ll be so happy!

AC: What advice do you have for other cheerleaders who’d like to become COM?
Tarin: Go for it! A few months ago, I never would’ve thought I’d be on the cover of American Cheerleader—and now it’s like a dream come true! Anything is possible if you have support from your family and a strong faith.

AC: What do you want to say to your fans out there?
Tarin: To anyone who took the time to read this, I’m a fan of you! You can never have too many friends and I hope to make more because of this experience. If you happen to make it to a UF football or men’s basketball game this year, I’d love to meet you!

Tarin Fills In The Blanks

1. At the end of the day, I just want SLEEP.
2. People would never believe I WAS BORN IN JACKSONVILLE, FL, AND MOVED TO BRANDON, FL, THE NEXT DAY!
3. My last big purchase was TWO NEW TIRES FOR MY CAR BECAUSE I RAN OVER SOME NAILS!
4. I would eat FRENCH FRIES FOR EVERY MEAL IF I COULD.
5. I’d love to switch places with BELLA FROM TWILIGHT.
6. Nothing beats A DAY WITH MY QUAD POD.
7. My biggest weakness is that I DO TOO MANY THINGS AT ONCE. I’M ALSO REALLY INDECISIVE.

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