Brad Cohen's Front of the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made Me The Teacher I Never Had

In February, I had a chance to be the keynote speaker at the Our Neighbor event in Gainesville, GA. Our Neighbor is an organization that raises money to help fund housing and support for those in the community who have had accidents and are now in wheelchairs. This organization buys them the housing they need in order to help them live in our society as comfortably as possible.

We sat with the Lovett Family and had a chance to meet many influential people in the community who are devoted to making a difference. My message came across loud and clear that not only did they need to raise funds for their organization, but the community as a whole needed to support these people who had their lives chanced in just a moments time. I reminded them of my story when nobody wanted to hire me as an elementary school teacher. But on my 25th interview, I was finally hired. Just a year later I was named the First Class Teacher of the Year in the State of Georgia. It's amazing what can happen when someone gives someone else a chance.

Thanks for the opportunity to speak at your event and keep making a difference.

What an honor it was to be able to speak at New England Financial Awards Banquet Dinner in Atlanta. I had a chance to share my story with the group and remind them that they too may have difficult times in a tough market, but at the same time, if I can overcome my life challenges, they too and overcomes their daily challenges. We also discussed all the good things they do for people with disabilities. Providing them with the correct insurances they need is very important. Many times people with disabilities are denied or given insurance at very high premiums which isn't fair. I reminded the group that it is important to fight for those who don't have a voice.