"My winning is getting to perform. That's my victory."

So, I've been in marching band all throughout highschool (at least, as far as I've gotten in it) and have experienced all of the things that go along with it. I know of the teasing and ridicule from other students. I know the feeling of coming in last place. I definitely know the feeling of messing something up or doing something stupid. Since middle school, I've played the flute, and have tried my hand at the piccolo. After about 5 years, I can say that I'm not too shabby. Just this year, though, I joined the band's colorguard. All I can say is; it's different. I've learned a lot of ballet techniques, and maneuvers with a flag that I never thought possible. In the beginning, I'd drop my flag about 34903120 times (Yup, I just typed a random number, but you get the point) before I could nail a toss, and I was clumsy with my hands and not so graceful with my feet. I can say that I've learned a lot already, though. I can do all of the work I've learned for the show pretty well, or at least decent enough. Anyways, our first competition is Saturday, September 17. I'm pretty nervous. You may not be able to tell, though-- but behind all of the pretty makeup and braided, carefully done hair, flowing skirt, and colored flags, I'm sure I'll be fearing for my life. It's scary to think of all the people in the crowd, watching you do your thing. It wasn't so scary when I was disguised behind a thick blue uniform and hat that shadowed my face, but now that everyone can recognize me, it's hard to hide from my mistakes. Still, although I am nervous, I'm pretty excited. To me, winning doesn't mean everything, as long as we try our best. I love to perform more than anything, and that, in itself, is enough of a win for me. I hope everyone else feels the same and tries their hardest, because when it's all broken down,

it's an individual thing.