Do not compare yourself to another, whether it is a measure of brains or beauty or talent or wealth. You are and will always be exceptional
When I was in the fifth grade, my parents and I moved to Presque Isle, renting a home we hoped to purchase. This dream did not come true for us but during that year, I attended Gouldville Elementary School. Looking back over my school years, I have to say that the fifth grade is one of the most memorable. A lot of spectacular events took place during that year and some valuable life lessons remain with me to this day and I would like to share one with you.
Students were sent home with information regarding extracurricular activities such as basketball and cheerleading. Young ladies interested in cheerleading were encouraged to sign up. There were no try-outs. Cheerleader skirts and pompoms were provided but I would need to purchase my own sneakers, anklets, and white Oxford shirt. I was ecstatic! Regardless of my athletic abilities, or lack thereof, I would become a cheerleader. Mom and Dad wholeheartedly supported me and in retrospect, I believe they were attempting to make the transition from Caribou to Presque Isle a pleasant experience for all three of us.
The skirts were medium blue cotton, full from the waist down, and just above the knee. It was the perfect twirling skirt and it was my favorite color: blue. There was one problem however; none of the skirts were in my size. The cheerleading coach, Miss Hunt, made arrangements to have a skirt made just for me. And so, on a cool evening in September, Miss Hunt, Mom, and I went to the home of a seamstress who measured me carefully, made note of my height, and announced that the skirt would cost the Gouldville Elementary School a total of $4. My mother offered to pay for the skirt but that was just not a part of the deal. The school would never realize the impact that $4 investment had on the life of a very chubby, introverted, red-haired girl who miraculously became a Gouldville Junior Varsity Basketball Team Cheerleader.
With blue and white pompoms in each hand, fully clad in our cheerleader garb, we practiced twice a week in the gymnasium. In nearly perfect unison, we kicked, spun, twirled and shook those pompoms with vigor. Some of us were actually able to do cartwheels, as well. I was the “spotter.” With one pompommed hand on my hip and one in the air, my job was to stand to the side and smile during the gymnastic portion of the show.
There were no judgments. No size restrictions. No comparisons. No competitions. Eight young ladies were given a blue skirt, pompoms and the eternal gift of self-worth. Though I certainly have great admiration for those blessed with the skills of an athlete or the attributes of a pageant queen, those qualities were never part of my destiny. In 1966, however, I became a cheerleader in good standing with the Gouldville Junior Varsity Basketball Team, and for me that will always be enough.
Editor’s Note: Belinda Wilcox Ouellette lives Connor TWP with her husband Dale and their Goldendoodle Barney. They are currently working on building a home in Caribou. You may contact Belinda online at: dbwouellette@maine.rr.com.
