"Front of the Class"

Last night I watched the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie "Front of the Class" which tells the true story of Brad Cohen and his life with Tourette's Syndrome. It left me beyond inspired!

Tourette's Syndrome is a disability that causes involuntary movements and ticks. While my disability is VERY different from TS, I could relate to the story in SO many ways.

From the teachers and people that told him he couldn't do something because of his disability, to the people that pushed him to keep believing in himself and reach for the stars.

One of the main things thins that bother me about my Cerebral Palsy is that it causes me to startle easily. I jump at EVERYTHING. I remember being SO embarrassed so many times in college when someone would simply sneeze and I would jump out of my skin. Making matters worse was the fact that I usually sat in the front of the class (because it was closest to the door) so that meant everyone behind me noticed, which caused more than a few people to chuckle. Then I would get tense about it and would then jump at every little thing until class was over and I could roll out and breathe a sigh of relief. It is probably the thing I am most self conscious about physically.

When I saw how Brad's classmates reacted to his ticks and outbursts that he couldn't help, my hear went out to him. Although, I know my struggle pales in comparison to his, I truly knew how he felt during those moments. But he didn't allow it to hold him back.

I can now laugh about my jumpiness with my friends and family. They know it's part of the CP and it doesn't phase them. When I get in a social situation where people DON'T know that fact however, it can be rough and I struggle not to let it bother me.

This movie is a MUST SEE for EVERYONE but especially teachers....Of ANY subject or age! I encourage you to go to Brad Cohen's website to learn more about his incredible story! You can also learn more about the movie, and even buy a copy of the movie and book if you wish! Check it out....You'll be be so glad you did!