But I | 39-m. Cheerleader

These days, when someone tries to dismiss me with a smirk and a “but you’re a cheerleader,” I don’t get defensive. I don’t explain. I just smile—full, bright, the kind of smile that says I know something you don’t —and I say:

Because the and is the whole point. The and is where the power lives. The and is the basket toss you stick after a hundred falls. The and is the girl who leads the chant, then leads the classroom discussion, then leads the movement to change the rules entirely. but i 39-m. cheerleader

We are not a series of contradictions. We are a routine: each move flowing into the next, the high-energy chant making space for the quiet huddle, the fall making the recovery mean something. These days, when someone tries to dismiss me

So when I say “but I’m a cheerleader” now, I mean something specific. The and is where the power lives

So go ahead. Underestimate the girl with the pompoms.