Amy Zhou: “Cheerleading is part of who I am”
Authors . Uncategorized“Cheerleading, for me, is a life-changing hobby!” says Amy Zhou, a PE teacher working at an international school in Shanghai, also a dear friend of mine. She always has a splendid smile, pumped with energy and enthusiasm. When she was still a college student, she encountered with one of the most influential and renowned cheerleading squads across the country, who instantly ignited her passion for chanting slogans and performing spectacular physical stunts in front of large audiences.
This encounter seems a graceful coincidence. “I had previously learned some basics of gymnastics from a sports school,” she says, “and later it became such a blessing to me that I did not have to start from scratch with cheerleader dancing.”
While being grateful that all her previous skills and foundations came together quite naturally, she also confesses that cheerleading is a whole new world for her. “Of course, there is much more dancing involved as well as team spirits – it is all about teamwork – you’ve got to support each other and act as an organic whole,” she explains, “but trust me, all the pain and practice will be paid off with perseverance.”
A hobby can sometimes turn into a profession, if one is dedicated enough. This is the case with Amy. For the past six years, she has been coaching the high school cheerleading squad at the international school she works for. She does acknowledge the fact that cheerleading is not for every student – it is physically, mentally as well as emotionally demanding. This is why Amy strives to give every member of her team a rewarding experience.
“The last thing I want to do is to let all the hardship put off my students,” she says, “because there are many factors more important than simply learning how to cheer and dance. There is definitely something for every member.” She describes cheerleading as a “self-enrichment experience” rather than a “goal-oriented activity”.
Week after week, Amy has deservedly witnessed among those teenage cheerleaders an improvement in resilience, teamwork, creativity, self-confidence, and leadership. “These are what cheerleading truly means to my students. It brings forth personal growth as well as opportunities to become a better self.”
”All the pain will be paid off with preseverance.”
When asked to talk about a time when she helped her team overcome a difficult challenge, Amy cites an accident as an example. “One of our members once had a bone fracture during a training. Accident happens and it matters a lot what role I take in solving the crisis,” she says, claiming herself as not only a coach but also a beloved friend with all her fellow students.
“On the one hand, I am a teacher and I am responsible to address the problem in a professional manner. It is always important to establish and facilitate a communication loop between the student’s family and the school,” she adds, “while on the other hand, my cheerleaders are my friends. I paid an ‘unofficial’ visit to the student’s house, telling her I would always be by her side.”
The student did not quit the squad after she recovered. She loves this hobby as well as the team wholeheartedly. Also, Amy is her favorite teacher.
“I’ve seen an intense emotional connection between my students and cheerleader dancing, just as much as what I had when I myself was a student”, Amy concludes the interview feeling proud of what cheerleading has introduced to her life. “Well, cheerleading is part of who I am.”◼