Ranch Reflections are articles written by LRHS students and staff who want to share their experiences, thoughts, and concerns. This is a great opportunity for Mustangs to branch out beyond traditional news stories. In this edition an LRHS junior cheerleader thinks about her graduating friends.
Jordan Jendro - Mustangs Ahead
(Lakewood Ranch, FL)- With the year almost halfway over, realization sets in on how many of my friends are graduating.
Growing up, I was put in a sport where many of my peers were older then me. This sport was gymnastics, and it took lots of time and commitment.
Spending time with my teammates everyday and practicing hour after hour brought us to be some of each other’s best friends.
We grew up together and experienced many life events while having each other by our sides.
Even when we all grew out of our childhood sport, we still managed to stay connected and continue another sport together.
Many of my closest friends started sideline cheer before me since I was younger. They convinced me to follow their lead and help me to love another sport.
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Even though I started two years later, we have remained close and have been able to make up for the two years that we were a part.
“As excited as I am to start a new chapter in my life, I can’t imagine leaving the people behind who I have grown up with,” said senior Elliana Willner.
I was able to ask for advice from them with certain aspects of my life including what classes to take and specific skills to learn at cheer, since they have already gone through that process.
Having them in my life to lean on has been extremely helpful and made things a lot simpler for me.
Senior Madison Poythress said, “Leaving my friends is going to be one of the hardest parts of college, but I am grateful to be able to watch and see what they accomplish through their life”.
I am doing my best to enjoy the time I have left with them, but I know we will stay close for years to come.