Molahiette

Just went to Nationals this last weekend. If you have a Facebook then you know alllll about it. In short... it was one big awesome weekend filled with highs and lows. Definitely some moments that will never be forgotten. I can't explain the feeling of hearing MOSES LAKE over the microphone. Or even the feeling when the curtain opened revealing the finals floor as the crowd goes absolutely crazy. I'll never forget performing on the brightly lit national finals floor; my last drill performance. I remember at the end of that kick number I just looked around at all the people and my team. I was so happy. I felt so accomplished and proud of everything we had done together.. I was so filled up with joy that I started laughing. Right there on the nationals floor. I couldn't help it! I laughed out loud and just took in the feeling. (If you look at the video and watch me you can see it) Walking off that floor felt good. I did my absolute best and I loved every second of that crazy kick number. (So did the judges)

Throughout my time being a MOLAHIETTE I have learned a lot about myself.

It all started freshman year. I'll admit I was shy.. and I really didn't think I was a good enough dancer to make the team. However, I knew I had to put myself out there if I wanted any chance. So tryouts came along.. I worked pretty hard all week. I went over the routine.. I had my mom watch me. I did it in the mirror. I was ready.
The big day arrived! I performed.. and completely messed up the end.. It was the part I had practiced the most!!! I knew that stinkin part just a couple minutes before, but I froze. It was so completely sad. I was lucky and got put on the team as an alternate.
That first year is tough. Your muscles are sore. You are tired. You are trying to get use to high school. Any first year member will tell you the same thing. I do not regret being an alternate at all. It was a great year, but I was a freshman. haha enough said.
Sophomore year was infinitely better and it was all because of one very important lesson.

CONFIDENCE.


That first year I learned that confidence can come in two different ways. The first way (and the more commonly thought of ) comes when you know absolutely everything you need to know. It is like going into a test and barely having to read the questions. It is being prepared and excited for what is coming up.
The second one is the notion of "fake it till you make it."
Basically I learned that year that being nervous is just a part of performing. Each performance I got that feeling of butterflies all over my stomach. The important part of being nervous is being able to embrace it and allow it to propel me forward. I had to learn to paste that smile on my face and not let anyone know how terrified I was of making a mistake. Fake it until it becomes a reality. :) It is amazing how I could trick myself into having confidence.

So sophomore year I put this idea into motion. That idea has carried me all the way to my senior year. :) So many times people will say "Don't be nervous!" but sometimes I think saying that only makes you more nervous! Instead think "Embrace you fear!" Take in on! Being nervous and being in front of all those people produces adrenaline. If I was completely calm I wouldn't have nearly as much power to my performance!!  Before every performance I still get that butterfly feeling. I can't stop it from happening and I don't want it to go away. So instead of fighting it I think "Yes, I am nervous, but that is not gonna get in the way of this amazing performance. Smile. And go kill it." It works.. try it. :)

There were moments when I thought I could never perform a kick number and actually smile. I thought I would never be able to do a triple turn. I thought I would never be able to nail my headstands. Each time I would think of Lori saying "HOW BAD DO YOU WANT IT?" How far was I gonna push myself? Again. Fake it til you make it. Don't give up on yourself. Your mind is absolutely magnificent. If you tell yourself you can do it sooner or later you will start to believe it.

Earlier this year I thought I would be devastated when Drill ended. I couldn't imagine not having practice, or my family of drill teamers, or my wonderful coaches...(I always knew I would never miss morning practice.. :P) but I realized I have nothing but wonderful memories and lessons to take with me.


Drill Team is over, but my life is just getting started. I am gonna keep doing what I do best.... Smile and show myself and the world I got this.

Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.
~Norman Vincent Peale