August 15, 2020, is a day I will always remember. In a time, full of uncertainty, I found an abundance of hope. I can only imagine this day brought exactly that to the many young cheerleaders that joined us for the first Virtual Junior Cheerleaders performance as well. Not only was this the first-ever Virtual Junior Cheer performance, it was also my very first performance as a Houston Texans Cheerleader.

As I sit and reflect on what an incredible day it was, I am overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude. Wearing my uniform for the first time felt unlike anything I have ever felt before. The night before our performance, I received a checklist from one of my fabulous teammates, and it finally began to feel real. I knew that wearing this uniform for the first time would be a moment to remember. After putting on the signature HTC uniform with the wristbands, poms, and red boots nothing could stop me. An overwhelming sense of beauty, strength, and peace came over me. I was certain that this was exactly where I am meant to be.

The last thing I did to complete my performance look was that I applied the iconic red lipstick. Something about this piece of the uniform showed me how precious this moment truly was. The last seventeen years of my life have been spent through countless performances in gymnasiums, stages, studios, football fields, in front of crowds, and everything in between. These performances have been vastly different in many ways, but one thing has remained constant; red lipstick. To many people, this is simply an accessory used to make your look pop, but to me, it is a symbol of the many experiences that have led me to this moment right here. A moment unlike any other. A moment when even surrounded by bizarre and unusual circumstances, brings me more joy and hope than I ever imagined possible. This Houston Texans uniform, is a sign of my dream come true.

As I was rushing around my home to find the best lighting for Zoom and enough room to dance, I began to feel my nerves come over me. I realized that in just a few short minutes, I will be performing for the very first time as a Houston Texans Cheerleader, not only with my teammates, but with our beautiful Junior Cheerleaders. At this moment, I was so proud to represent an organization that is resilient in the face of trials and continues to be champions for youth. This may not have been a typical first performance, but it is one that will always hold a special place in my heart. Seeing the smiles and excitement on each dancer's face brought a tear to my eye and an even bigger smile to my face. Their joyful spirit brought an uplifting energy to myself and to their Junior Cheer teammates.

Looking back on this day, I'm still overcome with emotion and gratitude. I continue to be amazed that the feeling a few pieces of clothing, red lipstick, and a Zoom performance can bring to you. That uniform, as a sign of a dream come true, is equally a sign of hope. A sign that even amid a global pandemic, joy can be found in the seemingly simplest things.