Would my life be different if I had been a cheerleader in high school?

As I approach my latest high school reunion, I find that all the organizing is being done by the former cheerleaders who are married women, happily, I don’t know, but still maintaining that rah-rah role with all of us.

Are they cheerleaders in other aspects of their lives too?  With their children and spouses?  “You can do it, honey.”  And with their co-workers.  “I think the new re-org is fantastic.  Give me an R.”

Ironically, I have been considered a cheerleader myself.  Even in high school, I was the only non-cheerleader up for “Most spirited,” a category I, of course, lost to a cheerleader.  But in my work settings, I am always reviewed as having a can-do attitude, singing the “High Hopes” song when times look bleak.  Isn’t that like a cheerleader?  Personally, I am often rallying the troops in my life to donate to a cause or socialize as a gang.  I am told I bring people together—like a pep rally?

I guess this is a confession.  I had wanted to be a cheerleader but felt that I didn’t have the necessary straight cartwheel and was petrified of being placed on someone’s shoulders.  I also didn’t think I was pretty—worthy?—enough of the title.  Just as well.  I think I would have gone brain dead learning the cheers, being the only cheerleader reading  Beowulf for fun.

But maybe it would’ve been amazing to walk the halls in the uniform and date a member of the basketball team.  At this stage, it doesn’t matter.  We live the choices we’ve made, and go forward.  With the approaching spring, we are reminded that while we can’t go back, we are allowed to be reborn every year.  “Who’s got the spirit