BONUS POST: What a Mini-Cheerleader Taught Me About Courage and Connection
This week, I volunteered at my local high school’s “mini-cheer” camp, working the check-in table that served as the first stop for nearly 200 kindergarten through second-grade girls. As the adorable little cheerleaders-in-training came filing in, I greeted each one with a smile, asked for their name and grade, and directed them to their assigned group to begin learning the basics of cheerleading.
During the 30-minute check-in window, the gym buzzed with a nearly-deafening mix of excitement and nerves. Amid the chaos, I was struck by the variety of personalities and how differently each child responded to this shared experience. Most girls seemed a little nervous about being dropped off at a big, noisy, unfamiliar place. Some asked questions to ease their uncertainty (Were they too early? Dressed right? Would there be snacks?). Others approached cautiously, observing the scene. A few avoided eye contact altogether, clinging to the adult who brought them in.
One girl, in particular, stood out and left a lasting impression. She arrived with her mom and a friend who was also attending the camp. As they approached the table, the soon-to-be second-grader turned to her friend and said, “Oh my gosh, I’m SO scared and excited!” Her friend responded—though I couldn’t hear what she said—and then the two of them locked arms and turned to face the intimidating check-in table together.
It was a quick, simple exchange, but it carried such a powerful message. In that brief moment, this little girl did something remarkable:
She noticed the physical sensations of anxiety (maybe a tight chest, nervous stomach, or tense shoulders).
She recognized those feelings, named them as fear, and identified the source: trying something new.
She expressed her emotions to a trusted friend.
In return, she received support, and, if I may guess, deepened a friendship through her openness.
Wow. I was genuinely moved!
For those of us who didn’t exactly start life with an “emotionally gifted IQ” label, here’s the takeaway: If you’re feeling nervous, scared, or overwhelmed, take a page from this mini-cheerleader’s playbook:
Notice the sensations.
Name the emotion.
Identify its source.
Reach out to a trustworthy friend.
Give them the chance to support you.
It might feel hard, but just remember: if a mini-cheerleader can do it, you can too! Go, Team You!
