ADVICE FROM A DANCE TEAM MEMBER

"It's not knowing what you do, but doing what you know"

Four years...16 football games, 20 competitions, 40 basketball half-times, 4 pep assemblies, 4 trips to nationals, 4 parades, 6 summer camps, 1000's of practice hours and countless tears...That's how long I have been on the Tigerette's dance team.  I may not be the prettiest, thinnest, smartest, kindest, or the most graceful dancer.  But the things I have learned over the years have done much to inspire me to succeed.  I would like to share the knowledge that keeps me going...

*Be kind...it comes back  to you when you least expect it.

*Appreciate the "little" people.  They aren't so "little" when you need them for

       something.

     *Take advantage of every opportunity to help another.  Who knows when you

       will need assistance.  Perhaps that person you helped will be there for you.

     *Perfection is always just one step away.  Never stop trying to reach for it:

       Someday you just might get a taste of it, if only for a second.

     *Always dance like it's your first performance.  Remember how good that first

       applause felt?

     *Know your strengths well, but know your weaknesses better.

     *Don't let a bad day affect you.  When you focus on the bad things, you tend to

       ignore all the good things that happen.

     *Always remember the practices.  Without the practices, performances mean

       nothing.

     *Appreciate your parents.  They love you more than anyone else you will ever

       meet.

     *Go straight to the source of any problem.  Griping does nothing but make the

       situation worse.

     *Laugh!

     *Smile.  It's contagious

     *Say "thank you".  Saying it is alarmingly simply, yet has great results.

     *Mean it when you do.

     * Don't be afraid to cry.  Crying doesn't hurt anyone and it makes you feel

        better.

     *Never ask to be the exception.  You are not too weak to follow the rules

     *Sometimes its better to do things for personal gratification, rather than for

        public recognition.

     *Your audience most likely doesn't know the difference between a single and a

        triple... do what you can do, the best you can do it, and be proud.

     *Dreams are only worthy if you honestly believe you can realize them.

     *Sometimes its better to be the hardest worker or the most eager, rather than

       be the one with the most natural talent.

     *I'd rather lose and deserve to win, than win and not deserve it.

                    

    By: Heather Reneau