Lecture Notes: Bradley Cohen's Journey and Experiences

Introduction

• Bradley Cohen, the speaker, recounts his experiences growing up with Tourette's Syndrome.
• Childhood nicknames: "Dr. Bobo," "Honey," "spaz," "freak."
• Lifelong struggle with a "constant companion" - Tourette's Syndrome.

Childhood and Education

• Tourette's symptoms appeared at six but remained unnamed for years.
• Misdiagnosed as hyperactive by doctors and misunderstood by teachers.
• Struggled in school due to Tourette's, leading to social and academic challenges.

Family Dynamics

• Parents divorced; complex relationship with father.
• Helped mother with her business post-divorce.
• Father didn't understand or accept Tourette's initially.

Discovering Tourette's Syndrome

• Mother researched and discovered Tourette's Syndrome.
• Diagnosis was relieving, providing an explanation for his behavior.

Career Aspirations

• Passionate about becoming a teacher despite Tourette's.
• Faced skepticism and discrimination during job interviews.
• Advocated for himself using the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Initial Struggles and Determination

• Multiple interviews with little success; undeterred by setbacks.
• Embraced adversity after attending a Tourette's support group.
• Decided not to let Tourette's dictate his life.

Professional Breakthrough

• Finally hired as a teacher after persistent efforts.
• First teaching job at Mountain View, teaching second grade.

Teaching Philosophy

• Believes in never giving up on students.
• Encourages students to embrace who they are.
• Open about his Tourette's, educating students about the condition.

Personal Life

• Attempts at dating were complicated by Tourette's.
• Eventually met Nancy through computer dating.

Acceptance and Advocacy

• Sought acceptance for Tourette's through education and interaction.
• Encountered supportive individuals who helped him along the way.

Teaching Challenges and Successes

• Faced challenges with students, especially those with additional needs.
• Developed unique teaching methods, including interactive geography lessons.
• Supported students with individual struggles, fostering a supportive classroom environment.

Recognition and Achievements

• Awarded "Teacher of the Year" for his dedication and innovative teaching.
• Delivered a speech highlighting the lessons learned from living with Tourette's.

Conclusion

• Emphasized the lesson of perseverance: "Don't let anything stop you from chasing your dream."
• Encouraged others to not let challenges define their potential or limit their aspirations.