Sixteen-year-old Cynthia briefly juggled some ideas before deciding on her ultimate wish. Among her choices were going on a cruise to Maui, taking a trip to Australia, and being an extra in a movie. When the dust settled, she decided she wanted to be a University of Texas (UT) cheerleader. Cynthia explained to volunteers with the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Central and South Texas that she wanted to cheer for the UT Longhorns and would do any sport, as long as she was able to join the cheerleading squad.

For Cynthia, her decision wasn't that hard. She had some past cheerleading experience before her family relocated to a new high school. Additionally, she is a huge UT fan. She is so enamored with the school that her bedroom is nicknamed the "Texas Room" because of its abundance of UT memorabilia.

With the assistance of a Make-A-Wish^® intern who was also a senior at UT, wish granters arranged for Cynthia to travel to the campus in Austin, Texas. There, she practiced with the UT cheerleaders, who taught her drills for the school's basketball games.

With a little nervousness and a lot of school spirit, the teen took the sidelines with her new peers for a men's basketball game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Using her newly acquired skills, she helped fire up the UT faithful. Cynthia also revved up the hometown crowds a few days later during a women's basketball game against the Missouri Tigers and a men's match versus the Texas A&M Aggies. When she wasn't practicing or performing with her teammates, she toured Austin.

After her three-game stint, Cynthia felt revitalized. Her new, positive outlook is proof that – working together – the University of Texas and the Make-A-Wish Foundation can share the power of a wish^® .