“It is possible to be involved in all of the things that you love and still do each of these things well.”
Brooke Teal, a Florida State University cheerleader and Honors Legal Scholar, is a senior Political Science and Social Science major with a minor in Psychology. Her decision to attend FSU was a simple one. “It was the only place that I could see myself going to college.” She was also attracted to the strong cheerleading program and “could not wait to cheer on the Seminoles.”
As a freshman, Brooke became a member of the law school community after being admitted to the FSU Honors Legal Scholars program. The program grants undergraduate students access to opportunities and information through the FSU College of Law and prepares students for automatic admission into the College of Law upon graduation.
“Being selected as an Honors Legal Scholar has been the biggest accomplishment that I have attained so far. Being accepted into this highly competitive program has allowed me to attend seminars and events at the College of Law. I now feel so comfortable with the law school and am sure that the FSU College of Law is where I want to be after graduation.”
Besides balancing her time between academics and athletics, Brooke is also an Honors Delegate and a member of the Greek organization, Phi Mu. As an Honors Delegate, she has served as a tour guide for prospective Honors students during “Honors Days.” She has participated in numerous campus philanthropies including her sorority’s “Grandslam” tournament and “Cheers for Charity” benefitting Children’s Miracle Network. Brooke most enjoys participating in the FSU Dance Marathon each year, which also benefits Children’s Miracle Network.
“Each year I am amazed at the number of people that stand on their feet for 32 hours.” As a member of the morale committee, Brooke played a role in keeping the dancers in good spirits throughout the marathon. “I was only required to be there for so many hours but could not leave. Community service really brings out the best in people and I had so much fun hanging out with all of the volunteers there. I also loved hearing from the ‘miracle families’ and seeing how the money we raise helps so many families.”
Brooke is a member of Phi Eta Sigma, a national honors society which rewards students for academic excellence in their first year of undergraduate studies and National Society of Collegiate Scholars. As a member of the FSU Cheerleaders, Brooke has also had the chance to give back to the Tallahassee community.
“My favorite community service activity that I have done as a cheerleader would be helping the girl scouts learn to cheer. Each year, the Girl Scouts in the area have a sleep over in the women’s basketball facility. We teach them how to do some of our cheers and then they all go to a women’s basketball game and cheer on the ‘Noles. It was so neat to look up in the stands and see them doing cheers with us and having a great time.”
Brooke has served as a role model to not only local Girl Scouts but also to her peers at FSU. When asked about her impact on the campus community, Brooke says, “I have shown students that they should not hold back while in college. It is possible to be involved in all of the things that you love and still do each of these things well. I have learned great skills in each of the organizations in which I am involved and am so glad that I made the decisions that I have thus far.”
Following graduation this spring, Brooke will matriculate into the FSU College of Law where she hopes to study Environmental Law or Children’s Advocate Law. “I want to make an impact on the world, whether it is through environmental laws to improve human health or by being an advocate for children in need.”