Overcoming Tourette's Syndrome by Alexa

Overcoming Tourette's Syndrome by Alexa - April 2019 Scholarship Essay

As a little girl, my time should have been spent focusing on taking ballet classes, cheerleading and playing soccer. All simple activities that most children do without worry. Unfortunately for me, that was not the case. Growing up with mild Tourette’s syndrome, where I experienced facial and body tics, was my challenge. I took on these activities, trying to fit in and figure out how to deal with the fact that I was different from my peers. At the age of 5, I was struggling to understand what was going on with my body and face until I was diagnosed by a child neurologist. Often times I would cry from frustration but would not let anyone see how embarrassed I was. I felt like it was something I had to hide.

Knowing that I had this secret to mask, it was becoming hard for me to fit in. I tried my hardest to manage my Tourette’s while in class. Feeling different than the people around me and knowing I would be judged was something that I had to live with. My parents and teacher took notice of how this was beginning to interfere with my daily activities and school work. My constant twitches became distracting to the point of being uncomfortable in my own body at such a young age. It was a permanent thought in my mind that I had no control over my own body and I would grow up being different from everyone else. This was a period of time in which I felt hopeless. My parents brought me to a doctor who educated me on how I could control my sudden movements. I worked hard to control my tics and random movements and slowly I overcame my syndrome.

As I grew up, the simple activities like dancing and performing that I once feared became conquerable. Once I got on stage and in front of an audience, I was able to let go of all my tics. I continued my love for performing by playing sports and acting in my middle school plays. As my confidence grew and my tics began to disappear, I started to realize that I can be proud of who I am. This was a strong and important realization; my Tourette’s did not define who I was as a person. Although it does not define me, it definitely helped shape the person I am today; the person that does not give up and keeps fighting to better themselves.

Considering where I am today, my Tourette’s may have been a blessing in disguise. It helped motivate me to work harder and steered me in the direction of my passions. Since the beginning of high school, I started hosting my schools morning news, speaking aloud in my Peer Leadership Program, and taking a journalism class. All of these classes encouraged me to realize that I want to take part in similar classes and activities in college. I have decided that I want to pursue a career in communications specializing in public relations.

While some may look at having Tourette’s syndrome as a roadblock, I feel proud that I had experienced it and was able to persevere through it. From this, I have acquired many skills that I will be able to use for my future. Having the opportunity to face such a challenge has allowed me to grow, shape my identity, and set goals for my future.