S.J.

Her name is but 12 letters long Her height is only 4’11” But she is a dynamo that ignites any stage she steps onto Her blonde hair; infectious smile and extraordinary strength are something I envy While she has never held a formal class She is a better teacher than any I’ve had in school She has taught me that fear has no place in dreams She has taught me that vulnerability can be strength That who people believe you are can be a facade; A cloak that you pull tight around to stay safe But when you open up and show yourself for who you are, You will find a new part of yourself that you didn’t know existed This girl has proven that whether you win or fall just shy You are still a winner if you gave it your all You don’t have to be a gymnast or a dancer to look up to her I’m not either, but I know that the lessons this young woman teaches can help me The strength and poise this young woman shows can be applied to all walks of life She’s the one that said “Olympians aren’t made at home” And I remember that every time I lose the will to train I’m not sure if I will be an Olympian But I know that Shawn would tell me that anything is possible That the only true failure is to give up That I can truly do anything if I just focus on the goal She may not have won the gold in Beijing Or the All-Star season of Dancing with the Stars But to me she is the true champion of both Her strength and perseverance are something to emulate And I hope I can be 1/10 the star she is Thank you Shawn for all you’ve given me I will always strive to be more like you