Gabby Mansour

Hi! My name is Gabby Mansour, and I’m a member of the UGA Flagline! You see, doing color guard is a four step process. At first we’re all individuals, doing different things in life, until something changes. Me, I was just a Carrollton raised, Southern Belle, gymnast/cheerleader, who had recently hurt my back and quit the sports that consumed most of my life. Once approached by the world of color guard, I began to gain new knowledge about it, and soon discovered that I could be a part of something greater than myself. I learned I could make a difference in kids' lives by being a positive role model, and doing what I loved. When the second phase begins, each person brings something different to the group. Every person trains in a different fashion, at a different speed, and through a different set of eyes. I learned quickly because of my experience with learning routines for gymnastics, cheer, and praise team. Despite being one of the youngest on the Flagline, I was very determined to learn. This made the next steps easier for me. There’s no standard end to this stage, nor is there an absolute beginning to the next. The third stage is a gradual process that begins on the based on individual learning speeds, and is completed with the establishment of technique in each member. Personally, the end of stage three for Carrollton was in the middle of junior year. That year our training really began to show. Although this step is difficult, it can be accomplished. The fourth, and final, stage is the most challenging for every color guard. This is the stage of uniformity. The term “uniformity” is broad in the sense that it expands past spinning together. It encompasses all aspects of color guard, from uniforms and body movement, to being like-minded and goal-driven. The goal of the final step is to have one unstoppable, machine-like, group of performers. The results of this step also include: withstanding friendships, a desire for open-mindedness, a willingness to encourage others, and a newfound sense of self. Sometimes this is never achieved, but once it is, it becomes part of the performer. I am lucky enough to have been changed by this sport, and fortunate enough to continue my career doing it here at UGA.