The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
Hannah Goldman is a member of the Florida State University co-ed cheer team. She is a full-time student who is able to balance athletics and academics in order to represent her school. This article gives an inside look at being on the co-editorial team and a glimpse into Hannah’s life.
Her Campus (HC): What is your major and how long have you been at Florida State?
Hannah Goldman (HG): My major is communications and media studies with a minor in general business and I have been at Florida State for a year and a half.
HC: So Hannah, tell me a little more about yourself.
HG: I’m from Tampa, Florida and I’m 20 years old. I have to mention that I have 3 wiener dogs that I love and adore. My favorite activities apart from fun would be spending time with my friends, shopping, and going on trips with my family.
HC: How long have you been involved in cheerleading and what does your previous experience entail?
HG: I have been cheering for about 12 years. When I was eight years old, I started doing recreational sailing in my community. Then I discovered that I had a passion for it, I decided to join All Star, which is competitive and year-round until I was 15. Then I also became a member of my high school’s competition team and would spend six hours practicing every day between the two. I was captain my senior year and I had to choreograph my routines and I would mix the music as well. I was also a cheer coach for my childhood team that I participated in when I was younger. I have always wanted to give back to my community and watch talented young women like myself flourish.
HC: What is your favorite part of being on the co-ed team?
HG: My favorite part is that I can see a whole new side of cheerleading because I’ve never looked at it together before. It was a setback at first but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
HC: How did you get involved in collegiate cheer?
HG: I’ve always wanted to cheer in college and I applied to schools with only a cheer team. I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself. I wanted to represent my university and I thought this was the perfect way to do it.
HC: Did you always know you wanted to cheer at FSU?
HG: Not like first. About a month into my freshman year I realized that I miss cheerleading. I missed the sense of community and the connections that a team has. Then I decided to give it a try and I did!
HC: What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your cheer career?
HG: I feel like I started cheerleading late and that put me at a disadvantage. It’s easier to learn skills when you’re younger and I always thought people were much more advanced than me. I had to practice and focus on some special skills to be the fun that I am today.
HC: Do you ever find it hard to balance school, family and fun?
HG: Yes, I’ve missed a number of family events and sometimes I’m so exhausted that it’s hard to do school work. I guess you could say, everything overlaps at times. I have missed bar mitzvahs, weddings, graduations and people often get upset. Ultimately, there’s fun to everything and I’m not going to miss it.
HC: What is your core memory from this season so far?
HG: Being eligible to travel to the Miami game because it’s a real privilege. It was such a thrilling game and weekend overall. I am very grateful to have had that opportunity.
HC: Do you feel that fun has made you more confident?
HG: Oh yes, definitely! It’s a performance sport and being a billboard often means you’re always in the spotlight at every moment. You have to be confident to maintain that position. You can’t be scared at all, that’s when you mess up. Anytime I’ve been lacking confidence, my skills weren’t at the highest level they could be.
HC: What advice would you offer to those thinking about cheerleading or applying to the co-worship team in the future?
HG: Definitely give it a try! At first I was nervous, but I think the best thing about cheerleading is that there is always a challenge. That’s what makes it so special, you’re always adding to your skill level. Chasing the adrenaline can be so exciting and the ability to gain new opportunities is endless. You are exposed to perspectives that you might not have seen otherwise. Remember to remain flexible, it is one of the most desirable aspects of joint fun. Teams look for dedicated people and it is essential for success.
It was such a pleasure to have the opportunity to speak with Hannah. To see more about her and her happy life, follow her on Instagram!
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