My first encounter with cheerleading was when I saw a club activity introduction when I entered elementary school. Having only ever experienced individual lessons like piano, I was deeply moved by the beauty of everyone working together to create a performance, and I joined the cheerleading club.
During my elementary school years, the most important thing was "to have fun doing cheerleading," but when I entered junior high school, the atmosphere changed completely. The goal of the cheerleading club at Minoo Jiyu Gakuen, a prestigious cheerleading school where I spent my time from junior high to high school, was "to become the best in Japan." There were times when I felt discouraged by the rigorous training required to achieve this goal and by the gap in skill between myself and those around me. Even so, I was able to continue practicing without giving up because the coaches, seniors, and classmates guided me with genuine care, as if it were their own problem. In addition to training, I also believe that I learned important life lessons through cheerleading, such as how to face my teammates and myself, and manners in everyday school life.

During high school, the coronavirus was rampant, and even at competitions, performances focused on dance and movement, which were not interpersonal with others. While I was confused by the sudden changes in cheerleading I had always been familiar with, what gave me courage was the performance of J. F. Oberlin University at the Japan Cup at that time. Despite the divisions changing due to infection control measures, the J. F. Oberlin University players maintained good teamwork and performed energetically. Admiring such seniors, I felt that after graduating high school, I wanted to cheer at Obirin.
And this spring, my long-awaited wish came true and I joined the J. F. Oberlin University cheerleading club. Since it's a student-led club, members also come up with practice menus together. I was deeply impressed by how seniors exchanged their opinions thoroughly and built high-quality performances and teamwork. By the way, J. F. Oberlin University 's cheerleading club is a regular winner of the Japan Cup Best Manners Award. Through club activities, students learn not only performance but also etiquette and character.

Cheerleading is a sport where you rely on each other's bodies, so trust among team members is extremely important. Throughout my middle and high school years, I always made it a point to consider the feelings of the top and base members, especially when I was in the middle position.
As I'm the only first-year student among the members participating in this year's Kanto regional tournament, I initially found it difficult to express my opinions. However, encouraged by my seniors, I gradually became able to communicate my thoughts. Seeing how my seniors not only plan practice menus but also care for each individual member, I also feel that I want to help anyone who is struggling. Although I've only recently joined the club, I want to contribute even more to the team by making use of what I learned in middle and high school, confidently expressing my opinions, and deepening my bonds with other members.
Aiming for a top finish at the Kanto regional tournament in May and a top finish at the Japan Cup in the summer, I will continue to work hard to become a middle-distance runner who is trusted by everyone and worthy of the Obirin University athletes I admired.