Comments on: Your Story: “Never, ever, ever give up!” http://www.americancheerleader.com/2011/11/your-story-never-ever-ever-give-up-2/ Tue, 19 Mar 2013 23:33:38 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Raychel http://www.americancheerleader.com/2011/11/your-story-never-ever-ever-give-up-2/#comment-46030 Raychel Tue, 28 Aug 2012 18:23:04 +0000 http://www.americancheerleader.com/?p=16349#comment-46030 well my story is about trying to make a difference in the cheer world for plus size cheerleader. Plus Size Cheerleaders Hi, my name is Raychel Keys I am 18 years old and I’ve been doing all-star cheerleading for 10 years, tumbling for 9 years, and Hip Hop dancing for 2 years. I cheer and dance for Royal All Stars cheer and dance in Sacramento California. The reason why I am writing this letter is because I want be able to reach out to plus size cheerleader, I wanted to let them know they don’t have to be embarrassed about the way they look, or how they feel when they are in their uniform, and also let them all know they are not alone I am in no way skinny but I can tell you this I am happy, healthy, and a proud plus size cheerleader, I can careless if I don’t meet the standard of being “fit” like other slim cheerleaders. No I can’t wear a half top but I can wear a crop top or a full top, No I don’t have skinny legs but I can run, jump, tumble, stunt, and dance and still be proud of who I am, and I want to express this around the United States, being able to talk to other plus size cheerleaders would be absolutely amazing! As long as you do what you love than nothing else matters all it takes believing in yourself and determination, I don’t want to just to inspire cheerleaders here in Northern California I want to do it around the whole USA, my main goal is to boost self-confidence and take all the insecurities away. I know it is hurtful to be too discriminated against because you don’t look like your teammates or other cheerleaders, throw those insecurities away and be proud of whom you are and never give up, don’t ever let anyone bring you down. When you cheer be a happy cheerleader if you want to tumble go out there and bust your butt off, achieve all your goals and be the best tumbler you can be. Plus Size male and female cheerleaders deserve the chance of going out there and shine like the rest of your teammates, remember you are worth a million and are put on this earth for a reason. I know there are cheerlibrities out there that thousands of cheerleaders look up too and want to be just like them, I would love to be looked up upon by thousands of plus size cheerleaders that be the world to me because all I want to do is inspire kids and teenagers. It breaks my heart to see so many boys and girls that want to cheer but are just not comfortable in their own skin, and also feel they are slim enough to cheer, I can’t express this enough be yourself and don’t let anyone tell you no different. It would be amazing for me to tell them they are beautiful inside and out , beauty comes with flaws and trust I have plenty of them but I learn to love and accept them because that’s would makes me. I don’t have a slim body, I don’t have the perfect skin ,I don’t have straight teeth, I don’t have the ripped abs, but that’s okay I am me and that is all that matters, and telling other plus size cheerleaders about this would be an honor and an amazing opportunity to experience. I also thought it would be amazing for plus size cheerleaders to see another plus size cheerleader on the cover of cheer magazines, so they know they are not alone. I appreciate your time for reading my letter and I hope and pray I can hear back for you all, so I can get to work of inspiring!! Thank you Sincerely, Raychel Keys well my story is about trying to make a difference in the cheer world for plus size cheerleader.

Plus Size Cheerleaders
Hi, my name is Raychel Keys I am 18 years old and I’ve been doing all-star cheerleading for 10 years, tumbling for 9 years, and Hip Hop dancing for 2 years. I cheer and dance for Royal All Stars cheer and dance in Sacramento California. The reason why I am writing this letter is because I want be able to reach out to plus size cheerleader, I wanted to let them know they don’t have to be embarrassed about the way they look, or how they feel when they are in their uniform, and also let them all know they are not alone I am in no way skinny but I can tell you this I am happy, healthy, and a proud plus size cheerleader, I can careless if I don’t meet the standard of being “fit” like other slim cheerleaders. No I can’t wear a half top but I can wear a crop top or a full top, No I don’t have skinny legs but I can run, jump, tumble, stunt, and dance and still be proud of who I am, and I want to express this around the United States, being able to talk to other plus size cheerleaders would be absolutely amazing! As long as you do what you love than nothing else matters all it takes believing in yourself and determination, I don’t want to just to inspire cheerleaders here in Northern California I want to do it around the whole USA, my main goal is to boost self-confidence and take all the insecurities away. I know it is hurtful to be too discriminated against because you don’t look like your teammates or other cheerleaders, throw those insecurities away and be proud of whom you are and never give up, don’t ever let anyone bring you down. When you cheer be a happy cheerleader if you want to tumble go out there and bust your butt off, achieve all your goals and be the best tumbler you can be. Plus Size male and female cheerleaders deserve the chance of going out there and shine like the rest of your teammates, remember you are worth a million and are put on this earth for a reason. I know there are cheerlibrities out there that thousands of cheerleaders look up too and want to be just like them, I would love to be looked up upon by thousands of plus size cheerleaders that be the world to me because all I want to do is inspire kids and teenagers. It breaks my heart to see so many boys and girls that want to cheer but are just not comfortable in their own skin, and also feel they are slim enough to cheer, I can’t express this enough be yourself and don’t let anyone tell you no different. It would be amazing for me to tell them they are beautiful inside and out , beauty comes with flaws and trust I have plenty of them but I learn to love and accept them because that’s would makes me. I don’t have a slim body, I don’t have the perfect skin ,I don’t have straight teeth, I don’t have the ripped abs, but that’s okay I am me and that is all that matters, and telling other plus size cheerleaders about this would be an honor and an amazing opportunity to experience. I also thought it would be amazing for plus size cheerleaders to see another plus size cheerleader on the cover of cheer magazines, so they know they are not alone. I appreciate your time for reading my letter and I hope and pray I can hear back for you all, so I can get to work of inspiring!!

Thank you
Sincerely,
Raychel Keys

]]> By: Bailey http://www.americancheerleader.com/2011/11/your-story-never-ever-ever-give-up-2/#comment-39214 Bailey Sun, 08 Jul 2012 00:22:59 +0000 http://www.americancheerleader.com/?p=16349#comment-39214 So I'm going to my first cheerleading camp on Monday! I'm so excited but I'm afraid to mess up!I don't know what to do!So what i did was practice everyday until I couldn't take it and on Sunday i will be practicing non-stop! What I'm trying to say is if your afraid of the future......don't worry about it because its already tomorrow in Australia! OK another thing, keep practicing and I bet you can do anything! So I’m going to my first cheerleading camp on Monday! I’m so excited but I’m afraid to mess up!I don’t know what to do!So what i did was practice everyday until I couldn’t take it and on Sunday i will be practicing non-stop! What I’m trying to say is if your afraid of the future……don’t worry about it because its already tomorrow in Australia! OK another thing, keep practicing and I bet you can do anything!

]]> By: Georgina Anderson http://www.americancheerleader.com/2011/11/your-story-never-ever-ever-give-up-2/#comment-28875 Georgina Anderson Thu, 31 May 2012 22:27:07 +0000 http://www.americancheerleader.com/?p=16349#comment-28875 Hi everyone at American Cheerleader Magazine and everyone reading. As I am very interested, amazed and fascinated by the wonderful art of College Cheerleading. I also remember the time I was a college cheerleader. As a freshman at Health Opportunities High School I and a few other girls were a part of a Cheerleading Club, the captain who started it was such an inspiration to follow. Although we ended in March, the time we spent with each other was valuable. We spent most of our times in the gym and with a coach. In additon, to freshman year, I attended cheerleading tryout during my Junior year. I had an even more fun time. This year we had uniforms and they were navy blue, royal blue and white. I was a base who had the wonderful experience of a flyer in a shoulder sit. Basketball games that I cheered for were usually upbeat, energizing and fun. A lot of dedication was required because I had a full day schedule from an early tutoring session and early class and an evening tutoring schedule. School work and cheerleading came hand in hand. I remember the time when my squad and I went to New Jersey to compete at a cheer and dance Six Flags Competition. Other girls were good, but I must admit that I danced and cheered so well with such emphasis, accuracy and cheeriness that we won first place. In addition, to winning all the rides there such as El Torro, The Batman and the one with the water with splashed me with enough water to make me feel like I was swimming and I cannot even swim were so thrilling. The rides made me remember the way my cheer mates and I cheered so hard at the competition because I had to catch my moves in the air while I was on the ground, so being on the rides, especially that one special moment on El Torro made me remember that cheerleading doesn't end here, its just the beginning. Most importantly, for the sake of fun I let the already and very obvious existing butterflies in my stomach be released it was the total opposite of a tummy ache. That was a really high moment for me. I encourage every girl and guy who is a cheerleader to do the same: when it is time to have fun even on the cheer mat just let it go and let the butterflies drive you to do all the correct moves. Til this day I can still do the same. Hi everyone at American Cheerleader Magazine and everyone reading. As I am very interested, amazed and fascinated by the wonderful art of College Cheerleading. I also remember the time I was a college cheerleader. As a freshman at Health Opportunities High School I and a few other girls were a part of a Cheerleading Club, the captain who started it was such an inspiration to follow. Although we ended in March, the time we spent with each other was valuable. We spent most of our times in the gym and with a coach. In additon, to freshman year, I attended cheerleading tryout during my Junior year. I had an even more fun time. This year we had uniforms and they were navy blue, royal blue and white. I was a base who had the wonderful experience of a flyer in a shoulder sit. Basketball games that I cheered for were usually upbeat, energizing and fun. A lot of dedication was required because I had a full day schedule from an early tutoring session and early class and an evening tutoring schedule. School work and cheerleading came hand in hand. I remember the time when my squad and I went to New Jersey to compete at a cheer and dance Six Flags Competition. Other girls were good, but I must admit that I danced and cheered so well with such emphasis, accuracy and cheeriness that we won first place. In addition, to winning all the rides there such as El Torro, The Batman and the one with the water with splashed me with enough water to make me feel like I was swimming and I cannot even swim were so thrilling. The rides made me remember the way my cheer mates and I cheered so hard at the competition because I had to catch my moves in the air while I was on the ground, so being on the rides, especially that one special moment on El Torro made me remember that cheerleading doesn’t end here, its just the beginning. Most importantly, for the sake of fun I let the already and very obvious existing butterflies in my stomach be released it was the total opposite of a tummy ache. That was a really high moment for me. I encourage every girl and guy who is a cheerleader to do the same: when it is time to have fun even on the cheer mat just let it go and let the butterflies drive you to do all the correct moves. Til this day I can still do the same.

]]> By: Madeline Smith http://www.americancheerleader.com/2011/11/your-story-never-ever-ever-give-up-2/#comment-25334 Madeline Smith Mon, 07 May 2012 20:32:35 +0000 http://www.americancheerleader.com/?p=16349#comment-25334 I have been in cheerleadering since I was 4 years old. This sport has been my life all my middle school and high school years I was apart of the all american group with NCA. My dream was to one day go to the Macy's Thanksgiving Parada. But my dreams were cut short. I was never able to go, but my dream didn't stop there. I then found out that I could try out for NCA staff something bigger and better than the Macy's event. On December 4, 2011 I tried out. I had to wait all the way until march to hear the good or bad news. But in my case the news were life changing i had MADE the NCA Staff team for the 2012-2013 year:) So you should never, ever, ever give up!! I have been in cheerleadering since I was 4 years old. This sport has been my life all my middle school and high school years I was apart of the all american group with NCA. My dream was to one day go to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parada. But my dreams were cut short. I was never able to go, but my dream didn’t stop there. I then found out that I could try out for NCA staff something bigger and better than the Macy’s event. On December 4, 2011 I tried out. I had to wait all the way until march to hear the good or bad news. But in my case the news were life changing i had MADE the NCA Staff team for the 2012-2013 year:) So you should never, ever, ever give up!!

]]> By: jessica lissaman http://www.americancheerleader.com/2011/11/your-story-never-ever-ever-give-up-2/#comment-23818 jessica lissaman Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:26:51 +0000 http://www.americancheerleader.com/?p=16349#comment-23818 the things that made cheer hard for me was I kept thinking i'm not a american cheerleader I cant be as good as that. Then I got told just because we are unable to do flips and advanced things don't mean we can not be good aswell. Now i'm picking up my game and trying to work as hard as i can to never give up. Keep in mind 'we are all good in our on ways'. the things that made cheer hard for me was I kept thinking i’m not a american cheerleader I cant be as good as that. Then I got told just because we are unable to do flips and advanced things don’t mean we can not be good aswell. Now i’m picking up my game and trying to work as hard as i can to never give up. Keep in mind ‘we are all good in our on ways’.

]]> By: Bailey Washer http://www.americancheerleader.com/2011/11/your-story-never-ever-ever-give-up-2/#comment-23552 Bailey Washer Sun, 15 Apr 2012 00:44:00 +0000 http://www.americancheerleader.com/?p=16349#comment-23552 When I was 12, it was my first year of cheering. I was working round-off backhandspring back tucks on the tumbl trak (a skill i could execute perfectly on there!)Something happened, and I came down on my arms. I went to the emergency room, but they said they were probably not broken. At the other doctor, they said my right arm was broken, and it would need surgery. It was the scariest thing I had heard so far in my life! I had the surgery, and everything was fine, until two weeks later when my mom became concerned that my left arm was shaped oddly. We went back to the doctor, and that one was broken the same exact way! I had to have ANOTHER surgery, which only added to the recovery time. I was out for almost six months. My doctor was really hesitant to let me tumble and stunt again, so I ended up performing at US Finals with my team but not tumbling or stunting :/ But at that point, anything was exciting! I had been out for so long! Ever since, I had a fear of roundoff backhandspring tucks. But my coaches stuck with me, and I got it! I learned that if you believe in yourself, you can overcome the fear, as long as you never ever ever give up! When I was 12, it was my first year of cheering. I was working round-off backhandspring back tucks on the tumbl trak (a skill i could execute perfectly on there!)Something happened, and I came down on my arms. I went to the emergency room, but they said they were probably not broken. At the other doctor, they said my right arm was broken, and it would need surgery. It was the scariest thing I had heard so far in my life! I had the surgery, and everything was fine, until two weeks later when my mom became concerned that my left arm was shaped oddly. We went back to the doctor, and that one was broken the same exact way! I had to have ANOTHER surgery, which only added to the recovery time. I was out for almost six months. My doctor was really hesitant to let me tumble and stunt again, so I ended up performing at US Finals with my team but not tumbling or stunting :/ But at that point, anything was exciting! I had been out for so long!
Ever since, I had a fear of roundoff backhandspring tucks. But my coaches stuck with me, and I got it! I learned that if you believe in yourself, you can overcome the fear, as long as you never ever ever give up!

]]> By: Jennifer http://www.americancheerleader.com/2011/11/your-story-never-ever-ever-give-up-2/#comment-22036 Jennifer Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:26:22 +0000 http://www.americancheerleader.com/?p=16349#comment-22036 I would like to tell all the people who are trying out that please NEVER GIVE UP. Try your best! I would like to tell all the people who are trying out that please NEVER GIVE UP. Try your best!

]]> By: Cheeralltheyway http://www.americancheerleader.com/2011/11/your-story-never-ever-ever-give-up-2/#comment-22035 Cheeralltheyway Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:24:39 +0000 http://www.americancheerleader.com/?p=16349#comment-22035 For years, I was dying to be a cheerleader. Well, not literally, but wanted to be. I dreamt of it, and that's because I love dancing. But I love cheering as well, and people always say I'm cheerful and all those happy cheery stuffs. However, my freshman year I tried out twice, and I did not get in. It was horrible, I cried, and felt like I won't be able to get in ever. I danced almost everyday, and practiced stretching and stunts. That moment of time, I was ready to give up. But somehow, when sophomore year, the tryouts were back, and I pushed myself to go try once more. I'm not going to give up, I said. After the tryouts, I had made my mind that I will not be sad if I didn't get in. Then, miracle happened to me, for some reason. The coach came and walked to me, saying I made the team. I literally screamed. I got it! That was the best moment of my sophomore year. hahaha! For years, I was dying to be a cheerleader. Well, not literally, but wanted to be. I dreamt of it, and that’s because I love dancing. But I love cheering as well, and people always say I’m cheerful and all those happy cheery stuffs. However, my freshman year I tried out twice, and I did not get in. It was horrible, I cried, and felt like I won’t be able to get in ever. I danced almost everyday, and practiced stretching and stunts. That moment of time, I was ready to give up. But somehow, when sophomore year, the tryouts were back, and I pushed myself to go try once more. I’m not going to give up, I said. After the tryouts, I had made my mind that I will not be sad if I didn’t get in. Then, miracle happened to me, for some reason. The coach came and walked to me, saying I made the team. I literally screamed. I got it! That was the best moment of my sophomore year. hahaha!

]]> By: Kay http://www.americancheerleader.com/2011/11/your-story-never-ever-ever-give-up-2/#comment-21650 Kay Sun, 29 Jan 2012 04:53:06 +0000 http://www.americancheerleader.com/?p=16349#comment-21650 Im going to my first competition in 1 week.(im in junior high,flyer) I am really discouraged because i found out who we are up against and they have all (but 1) Placed at least 3rd in nationals. I hate to admit it but our team isn't even half as good as them, none of our stunts are extended. All we have are show and goes(at a prep level) half ups, and prep level libs. Our jumps arn't that good either and our cheer isn't that syncronized. I have seen the other teams perform in 2010-2011 and they are incredible. Why are they even in our competition league? I know we are gonna lose:( I don't know how to get my spirit up now, I dont wanna give up. Im going to my first competition in 1 week.(im in junior high,flyer) I am really discouraged because i found out who we are up against and they have all (but 1) Placed at least 3rd in nationals. I hate to admit it but our team isn’t even half as good as them, none of our stunts are extended. All we have are show and goes(at a prep level) half ups, and prep level libs. Our jumps arn’t that good either and our cheer isn’t that syncronized. I have seen the other teams perform in 2010-2011 and they are incredible. Why are they even in our competition league? I know we are gonna lose:( I don’t know how to get my spirit up now, I dont wanna give up.

]]> By: Bella http://www.americancheerleader.com/2011/11/your-story-never-ever-ever-give-up-2/#comment-21285 Bella Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:11:19 +0000 http://www.americancheerleader.com/?p=16349#comment-21285 The most important thing is to never give up. And remember, have fun!!!!=] The most important thing is to never give up. And remember, have fun!!!!=]

]]> By: jaclyn peters http://www.americancheerleader.com/2011/11/your-story-never-ever-ever-give-up-2/#comment-19314 jaclyn peters Wed, 14 Dec 2011 02:13:33 +0000 http://www.americancheerleader.com/?p=16349#comment-19314 the most important things is to never give up something like cheer that you have worked on for so long and hard to be a champion. the types of things that i went through was really being nervous and wondering what kind of mistakes i would make out on that floor infront of everyone.i always thought that something like these types of things would happen, but the truth is all you have to do is keep up your confidence and don't be afraid. you will always do your best if you just believe in yourslef and nothing will go wrong. just stay on the positive side and you will do great!!!! the most important things is to never give up something like cheer that you have worked on for so long and hard to be a champion. the types of things that i went through was really being nervous and wondering what kind of mistakes i would make out on that floor infront of everyone.i always thought that something like these types of things would happen, but the truth is all you have to do is keep up your confidence and don’t be afraid. you will always do your best if you just believe in yourslef and nothing will go wrong. just stay on the positive side and you will do great!!!!

]]> By: Raina http://www.americancheerleader.com/2011/11/your-story-never-ever-ever-give-up-2/#comment-19199 Raina Sun, 11 Dec 2011 21:56:57 +0000 http://www.americancheerleader.com/?p=16349#comment-19199 It was the end of my sophomore year of high school and it waws the week of cheer tryouts. If I made it for my junior year I would't have to tryout my senior year. So of course I was really stressed. But then something happened that changed that whole week. My mom, who had been battling cancer, passed away that Monday and her funeral was going to be that Saturday (the day of tryouts). I cried everyday, I didn't eat, and couldn't sleep. I wanted to give up on everything including cheer. Then I watched a video from my last cheer competition with my mom. In the video she cheered for me and was the best person ever. From that I gathered my strength and tried out one last time. After making it this year has been the best ever. While losing her has been terrible it has also taught me a lesson to NEVER EVER EVER GIVE UP!!! Thanks mom, I love you! It was the end of my sophomore year of high school and it waws the week of cheer tryouts. If I made it for my junior year I would’t have to tryout my senior year. So of course I was really stressed. But then something happened that changed that whole week. My mom, who had been battling cancer, passed away that Monday and her funeral was going to be that Saturday (the day of tryouts). I cried everyday, I didn’t eat, and couldn’t sleep. I wanted to give up on everything including cheer. Then I watched a video from my last cheer competition with my mom. In the video she cheered for me and was the best person ever. From that I gathered my strength and tried out one last time. After making it this year has been the best ever. While losing her has been terrible it has also taught me a lesson to NEVER EVER EVER GIVE UP!!! Thanks mom, I love you!

]]> By: Cabria Miller http://www.americancheerleader.com/2011/11/your-story-never-ever-ever-give-up-2/#comment-18994 Cabria Miller Wed, 07 Dec 2011 23:44:05 +0000 http://www.americancheerleader.com/?p=16349#comment-18994 This story really helped me not to give up on cheer. So I`m now on JV as a freshman, but it`s so different without all my old teammates and I miss them terribly. I`m always so nervous when quarter and halftime comes since I`m a flyer. Well I had my first game yesterday and I did my quarter and did great! When halftime came I messed up on my stunt. I was soo stressed after the game and at school today, because I felt I could`ve done better. Long story short after reading this no matter what happens I have to get up again! THANK YOU SOO MUCH AMERICAN CHEERLEADER MAGAZINE! This story really helped me not to give up on cheer. So I`m now on JV as a freshman, but it`s so different without all my old teammates and I miss them terribly. I`m always so nervous when quarter and halftime comes since I`m a flyer. Well I had my first game yesterday and I did my quarter and did great! When halftime came I messed up on my stunt. I was soo stressed after the game and at school today, because I felt I could`ve done better. Long story short after reading this no matter what happens I have to get up again! THANK YOU SOO MUCH AMERICAN CHEERLEADER MAGAZINE!

]]> By: Danielle Calodney http://www.americancheerleader.com/2011/11/your-story-never-ever-ever-give-up-2/#comment-18856 Danielle Calodney Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:09:15 +0000 http://www.americancheerleader.com/?p=16349#comment-18856 Awesome! Congrats on making the team Cydnee! Awesome! Congrats on making the team Cydnee!

]]> By: Cydnee Jade http://www.americancheerleader.com/2011/11/your-story-never-ever-ever-give-up-2/#comment-18781 Cydnee Jade Sun, 04 Dec 2011 00:01:45 +0000 http://www.americancheerleader.com/?p=16349#comment-18781 Okay So I Tried Out For California Allstars And I Thought I Did Horrible! Turns Out I Made The Team! It Was My First Year Cheerin' And I Was Crazy Nervous For The First Practice. And Then I Got My Double (Full)In The Middle Of The Season So We Went Level Five With All Doubles (Well Sort Of) It Was So Cool To Have That Kind Of Experience! I Absoloutly Loved It!(: Okay So I Tried Out For California Allstars And I Thought I Did Horrible! Turns Out I Made The Team! It Was My First Year Cheerin’ And I Was Crazy Nervous For The First Practice. And Then I Got My Double (Full)In The Middle Of The Season So We Went Level Five With All Doubles (Well Sort Of) It Was So Cool To Have That Kind Of Experience! I Absoloutly Loved It!(:

]]>