By Joshua Kyle Beltran
Did you know that Far Eastern University (FEU) was not FEU Cheering Squad (FEUCS) member Natasha Dimara’s initial choice four years ago? While the graduating Bachelor of Science in Internal Auditing (BSIA) student rightfully celebrates her collegiate journey, there is more to the story of her success — and how choosing to rep the green-and-gold flag ended up being her best decision.
In an interview with FEU Advocate, the BSIA graduand looked back at the uncertainty that clouded her freshman year.
“When I entered college, I honestly didn't know what life had prepared for me. There were moments talaga na I questioned if I was in the right place — kung tama ba na dito [FEU] ako mag-enroll, kung tama ba na sumali ako sa cheer, kung ito ba talaga ‘yung gusto ko (if it was right that I enrolled in FEU, joined cheer, or if this is what I really want),” she said.
Eventually, the Morayta athlete’s four-year stay at the University taught her that one should not be shamed for not having things figured out immediately — and how uncertainty can lead to more opportunities.
“Some of the best experiences and opportunities came from things I never expected… Looking back now, I believe everything happens for a reason. Even paths we didn’t originally choose can lead us to where we’re meant to be,” Natasha shared.
With only a few days left until she marches toward the stage for the FEU Class of 2026 Commencement Exercises on July 21, let us take a look back on the turning points that shaped who she is today.
From the start
Dimara’s journey with FEUCS dates way back to her first year in 2022, where she applied for the team’s tryouts. Unfortunately, she was not initially accepted.
Having already come to terms that becoming part of the squad was “not for her,” Natasha tried again the following year during University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86. Sure enough, she got in.
Despite being accepted, the green-and-gold athlete still felt nervous. With high school cheerdance being her only background, Dimara knew she had a lot to learn.
“I was just scrolling through Facebook when I saw the post about the tryouts, and I decided to give it one more chance. This time, I was more prepared, but skills-wise, I still knew it wasn’t enough, especially since I didn’t really have a cheerleading background aside from the typical high school cheerdance,” she said.
While Dimara was only a reserve during Season 86, the Morayta cheerleader maximized that time to gain knowledge from her seniors; studying techniques and skills she had never tried before.
Eventually earning a spot on the starting lineup in Season 87, where the team clinched a bronze medal, Natasha recalled the first time she experienced the difficulties of being a student-athlete.
“That was when I truly felt the ultimate hardship of being an athlete since I was already part of Team A. There were times I missed my life as a normal student, since before, you'd just wake up and go to school and you'd have so much time to study… But as an athlete, we had to wake up at 5 a.m. because training started at 6 a.m. until 10 a.m… Sobrang nakakapagod talaga (It was really tiring),” she shared.
Despite the physical and mental challenges, the Tamaraw cheerleader eventually helped the squad clinch a back-to-back podium finish in Season 88, calling it her ‘happiest’ season.
“This was my happiest season. Even though so many things happened, there were problems and injuries, this was still the happiest I felt during [the] competition. Kahit [na] (Even if) we ended up placing third, I felt genuinely happy and content with my last dance,” Dimara reminisced.
Squad turned family
Being a student-athlete is not as easy as many people think.
Regardless of the sport and program chosen, they also experience academic and personal hurdles. Sometimes, this comes at a cost of having to sacrifice either of the two — something Dimara hoped people grasped more.
Some of the experiences that Dimara recounted were having to reserve her allowed absences especially when the UAAP cheerdance competition is near, resting instead of studying for a quiz, and even going to classes despite having to use crutches.
Luckily for Natasha, she found a sense of family in FEUCS, emphasizing how she would not have been able to overcome the said challenges if it were not for them.
“The squad became my support system — my teammates were always there to encourage me, and the bond we shared reminded me that I wasn’t facing these struggles alone. That sense of family helped me overcome the toughest days,” the green-and-gold graduand shared.
While being a member of the Tamaraw cheering squad taught Dimara discipline and resilience, her experience as a BSIA student also helped her become more strategic and focused.
“Being an internal auditing student shaped me into someone more organized and detail‑oriented, which also helped me as an athlete. I learned how to plan ahead, stay accountable, and push through challenges with focus,” she stated.
At the end of the day, Natasha knew that she had to fulfill both responsibilities — a commitment that eventually paid off.
“As a member of the squad and as a student of FEU, I knew I had to give my best to both because both were my responsibilities. I just had to make sure that I kept showing up… Looking back, I realize that the challenges made me stronger, and the balance between being a student and an athlete shaped me into the person I am today,” she said.
Kalinga pride
In her four years with FEU, Dimara made sure to remain grounded — to always pay homage to one’s roots.
Being one of the first and few talents from Kalinga to grace the UAAP cheerdance stage, Natasha shared how this was already an achievement in itself.
“Even before I joined the competition, I already felt a sense of achievement the moment I got accepted into the team. I was the first from our province to make it into a UAAP cheer team, and that alone already felt like a huge achievement for me. That achievement reminds me that people from smaller provinces can also reach bigger platforms,” the green-and-gold cheerleader shared.
Meanwhile, Dimara highlighted how the sport is not much known in her province — providing only limited to no opportunities in cheerdancing.
“Unlike in other provinces, cheering, and even gymnastics, isn’t really known in Kalinga. There aren’t many events or opportunities related to cheering; maybe high school cheerdance [but] for performance tasks lang. There also isn’t much investment in gymnastics, which is a very important foundation if you want to pursue cheer,” she shared.
Fortunate enough with the opportunity to pursue her dreams in Manila, the Morayta-based athlete acknowledged her fellow Kalinga people’s talent, hoping for enough support and recognition in the future so they too can achieve their goals.
“I know there are many kids in Kalinga with talent and potential, and I hope someday there will be more support for cheering and gymnastics. That way, more of them can have the opportunity to join prestigious schools in Manila and maybe even experience performing on the UAAP stage too,” Dimara stressed.
As the graduation rites near, Dimara’s story shows that even the best laid plans can take an unexpected turn. Despite the detours, the FEUCS athlete proved that success is not linear, but a testament to the challenges, talent, and perseverance she had.
(Photos courtesy of Natasha Dimara)