Just like any other high school graduate, I was an aspiring student with big dreams. I got my break when I was accepted into the university to join the UP Pep Squad in my freshman year. This is my story.
I used to be a gymnast since the age of five, and gymnastics was amazing as an individual sport because you got to showcase yourself to others in all your strength, flexibility and glory, daring them during competitions to perform better than you. Little did I know how far off this was from the rollercoaster ride ahead.
Being accepted to train with Pep meant that I had to learn how to move and work with a group, adjust to fifty other team mates, and execute a five-minute routine jam-packed with pyramids, tumbling passes, dances and stunts, all the while making it seem like you can do it with your eyes closed or in your sleep, never wiping the megawatt trademark cheerleader smile off your face.
A day in the life of a UP Pep Squad member is not what everybody imagines it to be. People complement those sexy abs, those powerful biceps in a bodyfit uniform, and witness the ability to lift and balance a girl single-handedly above the head—it’s hard work.
It’s more than five, soaking, extra T-shirts, sore muscles, and a gallon of drinking water a day. Training six hours a day, six days a week is no joke. There is no room for error.
We have our work cut out for us as student-athletes, and we successfully respond with a snappy nod of the head, and our chins held high.
Because after all the sweat, sacrifice, and couple of hairdo’s later, you get to reap the rewards.
I was able to learn different kinds of dances and visit places outside the Philippines.
It is a service to the University.
And? It has everything to do with Korus. Why? Because nothing prepares you for the experiences you will encounter during traineeship in the UPCC—rich, soulful, exquisite. I am certain being with Pep for four years has given me a foundation to weather the challenges of being part of something new. It was a whirlwind of emotions, and I am thrilled to discover that there is just a whole other adventure waiting to be explored in a different kind of arena.
I will forever be a performer, but my talents come from the Lord. I am continuously learning to shine as one with many other stars on the stage, constantly making room for improvement, striving for perfection.
I realize am still a cheerleader who yearns for the rush of pleasing the crowd—only even greater because I find I am part of a new team.
And I look forward to more years of serving UP together with my new family.
Patricia Paraso (AKA Tryx), Soprano 2, is currently the Stage Manager of the UP Concert Chorus and a graduating student taking up Bachelor of Physical Education.
