CHEER

Monday, October 15th

Dear Diary,

Something AMAZING happened today! You know Nathan, my teaching assistant? Well, he asked if I wanted to stay after class to learn something super cool. I thought maybe it was extra math problems (ugh), but it was way better than that!

Nathan told me he used to be a cheerleader in college. I was like, "Wait, what?" I always thought cheerleading was just... well, you know. But Nathan explained that there are male cheerleaders too, and they do some seriously awesome stuff!

He showed me this video on his phone of these guys doing these incredible flips and jumps. They looked like ninjas or something! Nathan said, "Ethan, cheerleading isn't what you think it is. Want me to show you some moves?"

Of course I said YES!

Tuesday, October 16th

Dear Diary,

Nathan and I went to the empty classroom after everyone left today. He cleared some space and said we were going to learn a "masculine cheerleading routine" - his exact words!

First, he taught me about stance. "Stand tall, shoulders back, feet shoulder-width apart," he said. "This is about strength and precision, Ethan."

Then came the arm movements. Not the kind you'd expect - these were sharp, powerful motions that reminded me of martial arts! Nathan called them "power moves." We practiced punching the air with purpose, crossing our arms with force, and these cool chopping motions.

"Every movement has to be crisp and strong," Nathan explained. "Think of it like you're a warrior telling a story with your body."

I felt pretty awesome doing it!

Wednesday, October 17th

Dear Diary,

Today Nathan taught me the footwork for our routine. We started with something he called "stomp sequences" - basically powerful steps that make you feel like you're marching into battle!

"Step, stomp, pivot, freeze!" Nathan would call out. The freeze part was my favorite because you had to hold this super strong pose like a statue.

Then we added jumps. Not just any jumps - these were explosive jumps where you had to land with perfect control. Nathan said, "In cheerleading, every landing matters. You want to stick it like you're made of stone."

I practiced for like 30 minutes straight! My legs were tired, but I felt so powerful and athletic. Nathan high-fived me and said I was getting the hang of it.

Thursday, October 18th

Dear Diary,

BEST DAY EVER! Nathan put together our complete routine today. It was like learning a secret dance that only warriors know!

The routine started with us standing back-to-back, then we'd spin around with these sharp arm movements. Nathan taught me to chant numbers while we moved - "One! Two! Three! Four!" - but in this really strong, commanding voice.

The coolest part was this sequence where we'd do these synchronized stomps and then jump with our fists in the air. Nathan called it "claiming victory."

"This isn't about being pretty, Ethan," Nathan said. "This is about showing strength, teamwork, and leadership. Male cheerleaders are athletes who pump up crowds and show incredible skill."

When we finished the whole routine, I felt like I could conquer the world! Nathan said I was a natural and that I had great rhythm and power.

Friday, October 19th

Dear Diary,

Today was our last practice session, and Nathan recorded us doing the routine on his phone so I could show my parents. Watching it back, I couldn't believe that was ME doing all those awesome moves!

Nathan sat down with me afterward and said, "Ethan, I hope you learned something important this week. Strength comes in many forms, and cheerleading is just one way to show it. You've got natural athleticism and confidence."

He was right! I learned that cheerleading isn't what I thought it was at all. It's about power, precision, and bringing energy to others. The routine we learned was totally masculine and strong - like a battle cry in dance form!

Nathan gave me a fist bump and said, "Keep that confidence, buddy. You've got what it takes to do anything you set your mind to."

I'm definitely going to keep practicing our routine. Maybe someday I'll be as cool as Nathan and teach other kids that being strong and athletic comes in lots of different ways!

Best week EVER!

-Ethan