I started cheerleading in April of my first year of high school. I joined because I admired the sparkling smiles of the cheerleading club during the welcome performance for new students. I devoted myself passionately and was able to serve as club president, which I think was a valuable experience. I was quite torn about whether to continue cheerleading in college. However, I couldn't forget that I couldn't perform my best performance at my last high school competition due to injury, and I decided to join because I still hadn't finished cheerleading.
J. F. Oberlin University 's cheerleading club has close relationships between seniors and juniors, creating an environment where people of all grades can share their opinions. I used my dance experience to think about choreography with seniors and share opinions about acting, and I think the club's atmosphere was able to listen carefully to the opinions of the younger students. At the Kanto tournament and Japan Cup I participated in, I was able to achieve excellent results, placing third nationwide in both. Student-led activities can be challenging, but I find them rewarding.

As a second-year student, I participated in last year's Japan Cup as captain for the first time, competing in the cheerleading spirits division, which consists solely of flat-area routines. Many of our members, including myself, felt insecure about flat-area routines such as tumbling, but we saw it as an opportunity to overcome our weaknesses and worked hard in practice. As each member's skills improved through practice, one of the members confided in me, saying, "I lack confidence and can't smile during the routine." I was surprised to hear this, as I felt that our practice had paid off, but I told them, "You're doing a great job. There's no need to be anxious." That was my honest feeling, but I think it was good that I was able to empathize with the members' anxieties and encourage them. The members' expressions brightened, and we were able to achieve a 4th place finish in the nation at the competition.
Consulting with someone isn't anything special, but being able to practice without anxiety and with a positive mindset leads to improved skills. As captain, I want to continue to value daily communication so that I can support all the team members and alleviate any anxieties they may have.

This year, our goal is to finish in the top three at the Kanto tournament in May and advance to the finals in the top 7 at the Japan Cup in August. To deliver a powerful performance that is typical of J. F. Oberlin University, members exchange opinions and pursue the beauty of the techniques down to the smallest details. Although I am the captain, my skills are still lacking. I will hone my skills to contribute more to the team and work to inspire the members who see me.
In addition to high-level practice, I also want to value creating a warm team atmosphere. Because I'm serious, the atmosphere can sometimes get tense, but I can't make people smile when I can't enjoy my performances. Through daily conversations, I want to be a reliable captain who gives me the courage to take on challenges and can confide in my worries and dissatisfactions. The appeal of the J. F. Oberlin University Cheerleading Club lies in an environment where opinions can be exchanged regardless of grade, and strong teamwork. I want to dedicate myself to daily practice aiming for performances that make both viewers and members smile.