Positivity & Inspirational Class of Brad Cohen
Its Tuesday, very pleasant cold morning, and I don’t feel like going for a jog or exercise but I can’t go back to sleep. So I decided to get some motivation by watching something interesting & challenging.
Breaking the routine, I switched on the computer, logged in, scrolled through random Youtube videos list and clicked on the trailer of an old movie “Front of the Class 2008”. The trailer gripped me and in next few minutes i was watching the complete movie.
The movie is a perfect example of determination, optimism and inspiration for all. Read on to find more...
Front of the Class is inspired by the true story of Brad Cohen, a young man diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome who overcomes considerable odds to become a gifted teacher.
When Brad was growing up, teachers and other adults – even his father – interpreted Brad’s involuntary sounds and sudden jerking movements as attempts to get attention. He was teased by other kids. As a result, he hated school, until a principal recognized and acknowledged that Brad’s “acting up” was actually Tourette’s. The principal used an all-school assembly to educate the faculty and students, which helped Brad win their understanding and acceptance.
Brad decided at that point he wanted to become the teacher he never had. But that ambition was more easily stated than achieved. Despite an impressive college record and glowing recommendations, getting a job was an almost insurmountable challenge. He was turned down in 24 consecutive interviews. His 25th interview finally resulted in a job offer.
With his mother’s help and the support of his school principal, Brad eventually becomes an award-winning teacher. Through his mother never giving up teachings, Brad is a success story and shares his success with everyone around him.
Brad’s openness about Tourettes, as well as his easy-going manner and gentle humor, quickly won over his young students. In addition to the traditional curriculum, the students learned valuable lessons in understanding and tolerance. At the end of the year Brad was named Georgia’s outstanding first-year teacher.
Five inspiring Quotes from the movie :
- “Everyone, regardless of ability or disability, has strengths and weaknesses. Know what yours are. Build on your strengths and find a way around your weaknesses.”
- “You can’t judge a banana by the outside. The outside of the banana might be all bruised and discolored and look really nasty, but once you open the banana and peel the skin back, there could be a nice, clean, fresh banana inside. I also explained that there are all different kinds of bananas, just as there are all different kinds of people, and that we shouldn’t judge either the people or the bananas in our lives until we have the chance to “peel back the skin” and learn what’s inside.”
- “I get that look a lot, but I never let it get to me.”
- “A positive outlook breeds success, just as a negative outlook breeds failure.”
- “It is okay to be yourself, it is okay to color outside the line if that is who you are.”
This movie is a perfect example of determination, optimism and inspiration not only for teachers, mentors but for all in general.
The way Brad has risen above circumstances that might easily have devastated him should be an example to all of us. Although he often felt disappointed or embarrassed, but never allowed himself to wallow in these feelings.
The movie inspires you to reach for your dream and let nothing stand in your way.
I leave you with the Trailer of Front of the class Movie.
