Promt: Explain any circumstances which affected your high school academic performance, if applicable.

As a child, I was covetous of other kids because – experiencing sports or clubs they rejoice in. I never appreciated this dedication, but I always had an ambition to find my passion. In my junior year of high school, I decided, it was time to start something new, so I tried out for the varsity cheerleading team as a flyer (this is the person lifted in the air during a stunt). Hearing I made the team, thrilled me; doubting myself that sports were not for me. Then one day, while practicing for our homecoming game I thought my dreams were shattered when I fell down and broke my arm. I finally realized this was my passion and I was committed to come back and cheer wanting to overcome this difficulty.

I broke my arm two days before our performance. We were practicing our new routine for the upcoming game, I remember being in the air and falling down. Hearing the crack of my bones caused me to go into shock. My arm was broken, the coaches called 911 and my parents, making sure I was okay. The ambulance transported me to Loyola University Medical Center where my mom and I were anxious. I had surgery the next morning; my radius and ulna were broken in half. I went home a few hours after, my arm was in pain as if a bullet went right through. I spent most of my days at home missing school and cheerleading practice

Not being able to go to school caused my grades to drop. I was very concerned and worried about my grades due to having a few tough classes. While I sat at home in pain my friends would bring me the homework packets and informed me on what I missed from class that day in order to catch me up. I finished all of the homework they brought me and went back to school with a smile. I walked into school a bit nervous but everybody welcomed me back with open arms.

I made a choice to stay after school and pick my grades up, I stayed up late nights learning the lessons I missed. Having the effort to complete the assignments my grades slowly increased.

I started going back to cheer practice in spite of the fact that I couldn’t do anything. I sat there watching my team practice in devastation, I was shattered I wish I was able to be on the mat with them. A few days passed and I was still gloomy about not being able to cheer, I still had fun and watched them practice. I went to all the games and supported my girls.

I began going to physical therapy. From doing the arm bike to playing with play-doh, my arm started to feel better and better every week I went. The physical therapist motivated and believed in my because I had minimal movement yet I was still determined to get my movement back.

Now, I still attend therapy, school, and cheer practice. I feel alot better, my grades are on top and I am hoping to be back to cheer by basketball season.