| Q&A with Mollie |
| Place of Residence: |
Memphis, Tennessee |
| Year in School: |
Senior, I graduate in December 2009 |
| Major: |
Major is Fashion Merchandising with a minor in Marketing Management. |
| When did you first start cheerleading or dancing? |
I started dancing when I was four years old. I did ballet and tap at a local studio. Then, I did recreational cheerleading for a few years and had a lot of fun. However, I really missed dancing. One day I remember seeing an ad in the local newspaper for tryouts for the new competitive dance team, Dragon Dancers. I was in sixth grade when I started dancing for that team and it has led me to where I am today. |
| Why did you choose the school you currently attend? |
I chose to go to the U of M because my family is extremely important to me and it was close to home.
In addition, I had always admired the dance team at Memphis. From an early age I told myself “I’m going to do that one day”….
Here I am four years later, dancing at the University of Memphis was the best thing that has ever happened in my life. I have made so many friendships and created memories that I will cherish forever. |
| What is the biggest difference between cheer/dance in college versus high school/all-star? |
Dancing in college is extremely different from dancing in high school. One of the biggest differences would be that in college you are always in the spotlight. It’s very important to do your best at practice every day. We did a lot of appearances, games, and travelling with the team. College dance is much more intense.
When you get out on the floor in front of thousands of fans, you have to know your routines, perform to the best of your ability, and just had a blast doing it!! |
| Most memorable moment in collegiate cheer/dance career? |
My most memorable moment was when we won Nationals in the hip-hop category at UDA College Dance Nationals in 2007…. Then winning it again in 2008. Being able to celebrate that with my teammates “my sisters”, was by far the most memorable moment in my college dance career. |
| Most embarrassing moment in college career? |
Most embarrassing moment would be during a football game sophomore year. We were in the beginning formation of our halftime routine at the Liberty Bowl Stadium. Our music messed up and we had to hurry and move to the next formation. That is when I tripped over another girl’s foot and fell… flat on my face. I just jumped up and got right back into it.
It felt like I was in a bad dream.. but it wasn’t a dream at all. I laugh every time I think of that day and all I remember is hearing the crowd’s reaction. |
| Most influential person in your life and why? |
The most influential person in my life would, without a doubt be my mother. She is an inspiration to me every day. She has Type 1 Diabetes. She has never let that get in her way. Her strength, perseverance, and determination has shown me anything is possible. She has always supported me in everything, especially in dance. I want to thank her for being my “biggest fan.” I love her more than anything in this world! |
| My career ambition is: |
A career ambition of mine is to have a job in marketing or PR. I have many career ambitions but that is the best way to sum them up. |
| I live by the following motto: |
“Life is not measured by the breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away.”
(in memory of my best friend Jill… no regrets) |
| Favorite course in school and why? |
My favorite course would be Trends and Issues in the Global Profession, because it helped prepare me for the real world. I learned a lot about resume writing, the interview process, and the world of business.
I really enjoyed Intro to Public Relations as well. |
| Least favorite course and why? |
Least favorite….Physical Geology, never found it too exciting. (Just wasn’t for me) |
| Favorite tv show: |
I have so many favorite TV shows! If I had to pick it would be So You Think You Can Dance. Also, I love Oprah, Big Brother, Nancy Grace, National Geographic, and ESPN. |
| Favorite hobbies: |
Dancing of course, hanging out with my girlfriends, shopping, working out, and most of all spending time with the ones I love … my family! |
| Favorite sports team growing up: |
Memphis Tigers….My dad would take me to the Memphis basketball games when I was growing up! We had a lot of fun! |
| Favorite actor and actress? |
Favorite actor would be Denzel Washington, I think he is great, and favorite actress would be Rachel McAdams. |
| Favorite vacation spot: |
My favorite vacation spot would be anywhere with a beach. Im not picky..a beach is all I need! |
| Favorite holiday and why? |
Christmas is my favorite holiday because I get to spend a lot of time with my family and I love giving people presents! |
| Best advice to give someone who wants to be a college cheerleader/dancer: |
Advice I would give someone who wanted to be a college dancer would be to just believe in yourself. Don’t get discouraged. If people doubt you or tell you that you are not good enough, let that make you even more determined to prove them wrong!
You can do anything your heart desires.
Never give up.
College will go by so fast and before you know it, it’s over. So take it all in, enjoy every minute of it, and have no regrets. Trust me; you will cherish those memories for the rest of your life. So go for it and believe in yourself! |
| No one knows this about me but… |
I love to scrapbook when I have free time! I have tons of pictures, scrapbook supplies, stickers, and just have a blast doing it! |
| Is cheerleading/dancing a sport, why or why not? |
Yes!! I would say it is a sport for sure. We work just as hard as any other college athletic team, if not harder because pom is almost all-year-round and we compete against other colleges across the U.S. |
