Three questions with Kelley O., Minnesota Vikings cheerleader

Shakopee Valley News

Kelley O. is a three-year veteran of the Minnesota Vikings cheerleading squad. Kelley is originally from Shakopee, where she went to school. She cheered on her high school squad. She is also a registered nurse in labor and delivery and a lash stylist.

What is something you wish people knew about cheerleading or about being a cheerleader?

I wish people knew how rewarding it is to be a cheerleader. We have so many amazing opportunities to serve around our community and touch the lives of thousands each year. We are more than dancers on the fields, we are ambassadors in our community that help lift the spirits of others — whether we are hanging out with children undergoing treatments, leading a cheer clinic, attending birthday parties, meeting and greeting at a corporate event, cheering on runners at a charity run event, and so much more. I absolutely love all of the aspects of being a cheerleader and I feel so lucky that I get to live out my passion for dance and also be a positive example for women and children in my community.

What's the most memorable experience you've had working as a nurse in labor and delivery?

I feel like the most memorable experiences I have as a nurse in labor and delivery are the moments the babies are born. At the time of the delivery, the moms have worked so hard, their significant others have spent hours supporting them and everyone is exhausted, but the gift of birth is just so beautiful every time.

Most of the time, everyone in the room is in tears, and it's often hard to keep back the tears myself. It is always a rewarding and memorable experience for families when their child is born, and I feel so blessed to be a small part in their journey.

You work as a cheerleader and a nurse in labor and delivery, so what led you to those primarily women-centered fields?

Surprisingly, I have never actually thought about the fact that both of my jobs are primarily women-centered, but I absolutely love being a strong source of empowerment to women. As cheerleaders, we are ambassadors in our community representing strong, intelligent, caring and confident women.

I love that the teammates I spend hours with each week are all the perfect example of empowered women, as they are all either full-time students or full-time working women. The women on this team are all so incredible and I have gained so many lifelong friendships, and I think most of this is due to their drive to be better and continue to work hard in all areas of their lives.

As a nurse in labor and delivery, I love that I help empower women to get through their toughest, yet most rewarding, life experience to date. Childbirth is absolutely a miracle to witness and being that strong woman to help guide each individual is amazing beyond words.