“CHEER TRY-OUTS ON FRIDAY!!” “Tiana! We should try out!” yelled my best friend Shay. “Sure! Sounds like fun.” I replied.
It really did sound like fun, but the more I thought about it the more scared I became. Would I be flexible enough? Would I jump high enough? Would I be loud enough? These questions ran through my head all week, stealing every bit of confidence I had. I practiced hard, but I still had the fear of not being good enough to make the team.
On Friday, I was very anxious. I couldn’t focus on anything but cheer.
“Tiana?….Tiana?… Can you please answer the question?” “Oh! My bad Mr. Kellogg, um can you please repeat the question?” “Yes, but I would like to see you after class. If x-3=6 what is x?” “Um, 9 sir” “Thank you. Please pay attention from now on.”
How could I focus on math right now? This was the last class before try-outs. The only counting that was going on in my mind were all the 8 counts I needed to know for the routine! After class Mr. Kellogg gave me extra homework and lectured me on the importance of focusing in math.
Shay and I walked to try-outs together and once we got there the nerves really kicked in. We stretched and practiced as much as we could but I was shaking like a leaf on a windy day. I was feeling nervous and weak. It felt as if I could have been knocked down with a feather. Groups of 4 went to the other half of the gym too face the coaches. While everyone else was trying out, my group and I were exchanging positive words. When it was our turn we set all fears aside.

“5,6,7,8!” “Hit your motions!” yelled the coaches. “Her jumps are high.” “She gets high in her tumbling.” “She could be louder.” the coaches whispered amongst themselves.
After try outs my fear of not being good enough vanished. I knew that I did my best and if I didn’t make the team I could try out again next year. My mind was now filled with positive thoughts and I had new level of confidence. I overcame this fear which gives me the confidence to conquer any other fear!