My friend Amy, a majorette, and me getting ready before a Friday night game.
My first year of high school was a little rough. I had a huge falling out with my best friend. My family was experiencing some drama thanks to the wonderful teenaged angst of my older sibling, and to top it off – puberty was not good to me. I felt like I didn’t fit in anywhere with anyone. Luckily that all changed when a friend of mine convinced me to join the marching band flag squad my sophomore year. Best. Decision. Ever. I finally had a place and people I belonged with. My years in band are some of my best memories. I formed strong lasting friendships and learned valuable lessons on team work and perseverance. I remember my last game I bawled like a baby. I had said to myself that it would be awesome if one day I could teach flag. I never really expected that I’d actually be able to, but it was a nice thought.
Fast forward several years….
One day I received a call from the band director at my old high school, asking me if I would be interested in taking over the squad. Boy, was I?!?! Of course I said yes! After a quick interview the rest was history. I was so excited to be a part of something that had helped me through some rough years in life. I couldn’t wait to get started and put my spin {no pun intended} and changes into the squad to make it even better. How little did I know then how much the squad would change me.
My lovely squad performing during halftime in the Fall of 2014
Over the next six years I had the pleasure and privilege of working with some amazing young ladies. Teenage girls always get a bad rap of being moody, dramatic, and mean. The girls I taught, however, broke that stereotype. Like, they shattered it to pieces and sprinkled glitter on its grave! Yes they had their moments {they are teenagers after all} but they were loveable, inspiring kids. They had big personalities. They were hilarious, sweet, considerate, caring, creative, and amazing girls with sparkling personalities that loved all things glitter and shiny. {Oh my did they love their glitter! I would literally sweep up a pound of glitter from the shed floor every season!} They made me want to be a better leader – a better person in general – for them. These girls were my biggest inspiration for losing weight. They deserved a fit coach who could be a healthy role model for them to look up to. How could I preach to them about having faith in and respect for themselves if I didn’t exactly have it myself? These “moody and mean” teenager girls helped me to become the better me I am today.
Pick Your Own Theme Night at band camp 2014. They picked “Throwback Thursday” and wore the top portion of the uniform I wore when I was in flag many moons ago.
Zombie theme night. Band Camp 2010
As a way to pay it forward, I decided it was my duty to not just be an instructor, but also be a mentor as well. My squad consisted of many girls that were like me in high school – not confident, lost and just looking to belong somewhere. They weren’t athletic. They didn’t see themselves as a beauty queen {although they were all beautiful inside and out!} Some of them didn’t even have the best home life. They needed someone to believe in them and root for them. I could do that.
Waiting before our 2013 county fair performance.
I loved being their cheerleader, their shoulder to cry on, their sounding board, and their surrogate big sister. I loved talking with them about their future goals and giving them advice . I saw them through break ups and break downs. Each new season brought new girls and new personalities, new viewpoints, and new challenges. I watched each new class grow from awkward freshmen to classy seniors ready to take on the world.
2011 Pick Your Own Theme Night at band camp. The girls chose “Prom Queens”
Throwing the “flag sign” Fall 2014
My 2014 flag squad. It may have been a smaller squad, but they were no less energetic, fun, and hard working.
One of the hardest decisions I had to make was to take a full time job and give up being able to instruct flag. Having gone back to school to earn my Bachelor’s degree, it was time to focus on my career and working full time, year around. I also have two little princesses of my own that need me to focus on them as well. It was heartbreaking to leave but I knew it was right. Plus I saw this as an opportunity to show my girls that it is never too late to better yourself and go after success in your life. You can’t be afraid of change and you can’t be afraid to make hard choices if you ever want to get somewhere in life.
My 2010 squad. I surprised the girls with a pinata to hit with their poles. They loved it!
I will be forever grateful for my years with the squad. It helped me to become who I am today. Because of these girls I am a better person, mom, and leader. I still keep in contact with them and they know they can still can come to me for any advice or help. They also know that when band season starts they’ll see my face again. I can’t stay away. I’ll pop in to check on them and watch them perform and kick butt. It is funny how teachers are always credited with changing kids’ lives {and rightfully so} but in my case, it was the kids that changed me. Best. Experience. Ever.
