The Best Time of the Day

The piercing sound of my alarm clock jolted me awake, forcing my eyes open. Rolling over to turn it off, I glanced at the time and date on the screen: 7:30, August 27. Instantly, I was filled with excitement, unable to contain my anticipation for the day ahead. It was one of those rare mornings when I felt too exhilarated to be tired, much like the last day of school or my birthday. Today was cheer tryouts, a day I had eagerly awaited since deciding to quit gymnastics and devote myself entirely to cheerleading.

Making the decision to leave gymnastics was a significant turning point in my life. Gymnastics had been a part of my identity for so long, yet I recognized that my passion for it had waned. Cheerleading, on the other hand, sparked joy and excitement within me. With renewed determination, I quickly donned the standard white top and black shorts required for tryouts. Although I had ample time, I dashed downstairs to the kitchen, where my breakfast awaited. After quickly devouring my eggs and banana, I hurried back upstairs to complete my preparations. I practiced my routine briefly before my sister's voice echoed up the stairs, urging me to hurry. Grabbing my bag, I rushed to the car, ready to embrace the challenges that lay ahead.

Upon arriving at the high school, my mom offered words of encouragement to my sisters and me before sending us off. I hugged her goodbye and joined my sisters as we made our way inside. The initial excitement that had carried me through the morning began to waver as the reality of the tryouts set in. Nervousness crept in, but I tried to focus on the warm-up. We spent about 45 minutes stretching, practicing the cheer, and refining our dance routine. Despite the rising heat of the morning sun, I decided to practice my jumps a few more times, striving for perfection.

As I practiced, Brianna approached me with a smirk, her words dripping with disdain. "So, you think you'll make it as a flyer?" she asked, clearly aware of my insecurities about my size compared to the other girls. Her words stung, but I refused to let her see how deeply they affected me. "I don't know; I'll just have to wait and see," I replied calmly, determined not to give her the satisfaction of a reaction. Brianna continued to taunt me, but I managed to walk away without tears, focusing instead on the task at hand.

Sitting in the hallway outside the library, waiting for my name to be called, I couldn't shake Brianna's hurtful words. When my turn finally came, I felt a wave of anxiety wash over me. However, stepping into the air-conditioned room, the familiar scent of paper and old books grounded me. The JV Coach's reassuring smile reminded us to relax, easing my nerves as we began the tryouts.

The jumps and cheers went smoothly, bolstering my confidence. Dancing, my favorite aspect of cheerleading, allowed me to forget my worries and simply enjoy the moment. The judges even complimented my performance, which filled me with pride. However, the looming challenge of stunts kept me on edge, Brianna's voice echoing in my mind. Taking a deep breath, I focused on executing the stunt with precision. To my delight, we nailed it, my bases supporting me effortlessly.

Leaving the tryout, a wave of relief washed over me. Regardless of the outcome, I was proud of my efforts and resilience. Hours later, as we awaited the final decision, the tension in the hallway was palpable. Hearing the cries of girls who didn't make it was heartbreaking, but I steeled myself for whatever news awaited me. When my name was called, my heart pounded in my chest.

Entering the room, I was met with the words, "Congratulations, you made it!" Overwhelmed with joy, tears streamed down my face. In that moment, Brianna's taunts faded into insignificance. I had proven her wrong, not through retaliation but by staying true to myself and my abilities. The experience taught me the value of perseverance and self-belief, reinforcing the importance of pursuing what truly makes me happy.

Reflecting on that transformative day, I realized that overcoming adversity and staying true to oneself are vital components of personal growth. The journey to the cheer tryouts, marked by self-doubt and external challenges, ultimately led to a profound sense of accomplishment. August 27, 2018, stands as a testament to my resilience and determination, a day that will forever be etched in my memory as a triumph over adversity.

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