Longs story short, Mercedes (a bigger girl) joins the cheer squad to show off what she can do at a larger scale than on stage. Her coach wanted her to lose weight to fit into a skirt, and she ends up in the hospital because of a developing eating disorder. Quinn (a former cheerleader) knew how she felt, but Mercedes said that Quinn always had being skinny, blonde, and beautiful to fall back on as a tear rolled down her cheek.
To make things clear: by no means have I ever heard a real coach say something like that, and I pray that no coach ever will–and if there has, I hope they never do again.
Other than that aspect, I remember fitting day for cheerleading to be the most painful day for me and a lot of other girls. Many of the uniforms have been altered to the max to fit other girls, so most of them don't fit right away, but on the day, it's painful to feel like my body had failed me.
On top of that day, there was picture day. I would look at other girls' pictures–all were long-haired beauties with gorgeous makeup. My hair is short. Normally short hair is my thing, but I would look at the photos and cry when I got home; I felt inside that I was the ugliest cheerleader.
But I now look at the action shots that my mom and other moms took. I look focused. I look fierce. I look free. I'm in something that I can call my own as much I do when I sing or play the violin.
I remember what I do in those moments: I belong to the school spirit and with those beautiful girls. We made the squad beautiful ourselves, not by our uniforms–which I look damn good in, if I do say so myself. Quinn was right when she told Mercedes she was beautiful. I know I am and that my team is, too. 💙
