My Opinion on not Making the 8th Grade Cheerleading Team

[LeadHership]

The second year I tried out for cheerleading, I didn't make it. It's a crappy feeling when you're in a room with your peers and the coach reads "the list." As she rattles off the names, you get more and more flushed in the face that she hasn't read yours. Well, for me, at least they read the list at the end of the school day. When I got home, to our driveway, I saw my mom waiting for me in the doorway. I ran to get to her, and cried as she hugged me. That day, there was the heaviest weight of rejection in my backpack. Thankfully my mom was there to help with it. Did you ever not make it? Ya know...I think the rejection in our past is what God uses (thru us) to love the rejected in our present.So what's my point?My mom didn't make the cheerleading team when she was a young girl either.

[spatterson]

I can empathize with this because cheerleading was a big part of my life when I was young. The "waiting" to heare the list is horrible, but doesn't it prepare us for bigger accomplishments and helps us with other rejections in life? I know you said that, but I wanted to say it again.. because I agree.

Although my name was called on those days after try-outs... A lot of my friends weren't and it's terribly sad because of the hard work they put forth. 

[Candid Carrie]

Make the cheerleading squad?  I was too to even try out! 

[Jo Ann]

well, there were a lot of contests in grade school and high school where i lost big time. but you're right, they made me more resilient in life. and being resilient has helped manage failures nicely.

[yayamommy]

Seventh grade--not popular enough
Eighth grade--not popular enough
Frosh--tried out, but had to finish swim team (because I made the committment to it and all--YUCK!) so NO cheering for me.
Sophomore year-YES--finally--ditched the swimsuit for the short skirt and megaphone.
Junior, Senior, College Frosh, Soph, Junior, Senior, Senior + (5th year)

It took 3 fails to give me 8 years of my favorite memories and my best life time friend.  It was well worth the misery.  I loved every second of it.  The best part?  Because I had been crushed so many times, I never took it for granted when I made the squad and I enjoyed every second I could.  By the time I was in college I was captain and by junior year I had guts enough to risk losing cheerleading and tried out for dance team.  Snuck in 2 years of that thanks to my 5 year college plan. 
If there is something you want--NEVER--GIVE--UP.  Eventually you will get it. 
OK,  that's my story.  Sticking to it.  I have MILLIONS of pics to prove it though.  Hmmm, maybe I should blog about it?

[Linda]

my daughters made it, but I had to watch the other little girls walk out , one by one...and when you saw the list of who made it and who didn't and realized there was no rhyme or reason, it broke your heart.  kids are so mean, but some teachers and coaches nepotism is worse ...my daughter now is in an individual sport and her accomplishments are her own...and her disappointments are her own to work through.  her faith shows her that she is special and that she will grow stronger by believing in herself.  She had to overcome sexual harassment in high school this year.  very bad harassment.  just trying to not lose faith that she is special and worthwhile as a person...when she was treated like dirt...I wouldn't be a preteen or teen for anything...