My name is Marissa Lazovick and I have been a competitive dancer since I was five, It is one of my greatest passions; however, it is not my only passion and it has not been an easy journey from a kindergarten student starting dance to a soon-to-be college freshman. At the age of 7, I began to tic. It started as sniffing and expiration and progressed to uncontrollable stretching and contracting of my shoulders. People noticed and it made them uncomfortable. I was always asked to stop. No one, not my parents, teachers, family or friends understood what was happening. In middle school my tics changed. I began squinting my eyes uncontrollably. I could not focus or read, and I could not stop or hide it. I then developed a stomach tic that forces me to bend over and stretch back up. It happens all day long making it difficult to sit. It also began to give me stomach pain. At the same time I began having migraines. Still, we weren’t sure why this was happening. My pediatrician referred me to a neurologist and within minutes I was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome (TS). I finally felt as if I was understood and that there was something I could do. Rather than focusing on my involuntary movements, I have focused on the movements and energy that I can control. Most interesting to me, but quite common according to my doctors, is that I don’t tic while I dance. Apparently there are so many examples of singers and athletes and others whose tics stop when they begin performing. So beyond my love for dance, it also was a break from my constant tics. I discovered American Sign Language (ASL) as a high school freshman. After struggling for years with the usual, mandatory choices for world languages in school like Spanish and French, this language opened a whole new world of communication. Like dancing, ASL requires us to be physically expressive, listening by watching and sharing with our hands and our faces. I took to this language immediately, with my tics often slowing or stopping when I communicate. I was exposed to an entirely new community of people and a new way of connecting with others. I volunteer with students at the annual Forward Progress Camp alongside NFL SuperBowl Champions Jonathan Vilma and Jonathan Casillas as well as Jen Welter, the first female to coach in the NFL. I was the only high school student selected to speak; my session was about resilience and inclusion. I shared that although TS is something that describes me, it is not something that defines me. Throughout high school, I volunteered with a local elementary school to teach students ASL. I work with them weekly and created Deaf Awareness Day during their Week of Inclusion. These students have found new ways to communicate and better understand people with different abilities. Excelling as a dancer, I have also worked with and taught dancers of all ages, building them up as people and helping them to see what is possible. I am committed to finding ways to communicate and inspire through this incredible art form. I will continue my study of ASL as well, with the intent of supporting dancers in the deaf community. We should all be included in dance. By supporting my dreams, you are supporting the dreams of all of the people I can impact, as a person, as a teacher, as a choreographer, as a performer, and as a person with TS who didn’t let their disability define them.

My name is Marissa Lazovick. I am 18 and so proud to share that I have been accepted to Boston Conservatory at Berklee (BoCo) beginning in September to study dance. I have been dancing since I was five and it is one of my greatest passions; however, it is not my only passion and it has not been an easy journey from a kindergarten student starting dance to a soon-to-be college freshman. At the age of 7, I began to tic. It started as sniffing, inspiration, and expiration and progressed to uncontrollable picking of my nails and stretching and contracting of my shoulders. It impacted my ability to sit still and focus at school. People noticed and it made them uncomfortable. I was always asked to stop. No one, not my parents, my teachers, my family or my friends understood what was happening. In middle school, my tics changed. I began squinting my eyes uncontrollably. I could not focus or read, and I could not stop or hide it. I then developed a stomach tic that forces me to bend over and stretch back up. It happens all day long making it difficult to sit. It also began to give me stomach pain. At the same time I began having migraines. And still, we weren’t sure why this was happening. My pediatrician referred me to a neurologist and within minutes I was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome (TS). As he described what was going on in my head, I finally felt as if I was understood and I finally felt like there was something I could do. Most interesting to me, but quite common according to my doctors, is that I don’t tic while I dance. Apparently there are so many examples of singers and athletes and others whose tics stop when they begin performing. So beyond my love for dance, its movement, expression, connection, and challenge, it also was a break from my constant tics. Rather than focusing on my involuntary movements as an obstacle, I have focused on the movements and energy that I can control and this has led me to my greatest passions: helping others believe in themselves and inclusion. I was asked to show how dance can help us understand one another by choreographing a piece that gave insight to my life with TS. This result is called (TIC)kled. I choreographed this piece to express how my tics have felt to me at different points in my life. It was a challenge first to create the soundtrack I needed. Then I had to communicate the pain, the confusion and struggle, and finally the acceptance. I have been able to share this now with many others, adults, peers, and younger children. It always generates incredible conversations and everyone has shared how the piece helped them feel safe enough to ask questions and share their own struggles. (TIC)kled gave them the courage to reflect and the willingness to try and understand others. This is my story and it is an example of how I hope to use dance to tell stories that matter and bring us together. You can see the dance here. I am thrilled to continue my studies at BoCo and pursue dance at the highest level. I am committed to finding ways to communicate and inspire through this incredible art form. By supporting my dreams, you are supporting the dreams of all of the people I can impact, as a person, as a teacher, as a choreographer, as a performer, and as a person with TS who didn’t let their disability define them.

I was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome (TS) at twelve. I struggled before that, not knowing what was wrong with me. Receiving the diagnosis was both frightening and freeing. I finally understood what was going on and could focus on working through it. It’s been challenging but it has taught me so much: to be myself, to be brave, to use my voice, and most importantly: the things that describe you don’t define you. This piece is called (TIC)kled. It shows my journey, being overwhelmed by something I didn’t understand and couldn’t control, how it used to embarrass me. Through the dance I come to understand what is going on and rather than fight it, I learn to embrace it and live being proud of everything that makes me me. I will never be ashamed of my diagnosis and it will never define me. I choreographed this piece to express how my tics have felt to me at different points in my life. It was a challenge first to create the soundtrack I needed. Then I had to communicate the pain, the confusion and struggle, and finally the acceptance. As I move on to Boston Conservatory at Berklee, I will bring this piece with me. It is a shorter version than what I hope it will eventually become. Because I feel so close to this piece, it will be evolving forever because TS will be a part of me forever. This is my story.

My name is Marissa Lazovick. I am 18 and so proud to share that I have been accepted to Boston Conservatory at Berklee (BoCo) beginning in September to study dance. I have been dancing since I was five and it is one of my greatest passions; however, it is not my only passion and it has not been an easy journey from a kindergarten student starting dance to a soon-to-be college freshman. At the age of 7, I began to tic. It started as sniffing, inspiration, and expiration and progressed to uncontrollable picking of my nails and stretching and contracting of my shoulders. It impacted my ability to sit still and focus at school. People noticed and it made them uncomfortable. I was always asked to stop. No one, not my parents, my teachers, my family or my friends understood what was happening. In middle school, my tics changed. I began squinting my eyes uncontrollably. I could not focus or read, and I could not stop or hide it. I then developed a stomach tic that forces me to bend over and stretch back up. It happens all day long making it difficult to sit. It also began to give me stomach pain. At the same time I began having migraines. And still, we weren’t sure why this was happening. My pediatrician referred me to a neurologist and within minutes I was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome (TS). As he described what was going on in my head, I finally felt as if I was understood and I finally felt like there was something I could do. Most interesting to me, but quite common according to my doctors, is that I don’t tic while I dance. Apparently there are so many examples of singers and athletes and others whose tics stop when they begin performing. So beyond my love for dance, its movement, expression, connection, and challenge, it also was a break from my constant tics. Rather than focusing on my involuntary movements as an obstacle, I have focused on the movements and energy that I can control and this has led me to my greatest passions: helping others believe in themselves and inclusion. I was asked to show how dance can help us understand one another by choreographing a piece that gave insight to my life with TS. This result is called (TIC)kled. I choreographed this piece to express how my tics have felt to me at different points in my life. It was a challenge first to create the soundtrack I needed. Then I had to communicate the pain, the confusion and struggle, and finally the acceptance. I have been able to share this now with many others, adults, peers, and younger children. It always generates incredible conversations and everyone has shared how the piece helped them feel safe enough to ask questions and share their own struggles. (TIC)kled gave them the courage to reflect and the willingness to try and understand others. This is my story and it is an example of how I hope to use dance to tell stories that matter and bring us together. You can see the dance here. I am thrilled to continue my studies at BoCo and pursue dance at the highest level. I am committed to finding ways to communicate and inspire through this incredible art form. By supporting my dreams, you are supporting the dreams of all of the people I can impact, as a person, as a teacher, as a choreographer, as a performer, and as a person with TS who didn’t let their disability define them.

My name is Marissa Lazovick. I am 18 and so proud to share that I have been accepted to Boston Conservatory at Berklee (BoCo) beginning in September to study dance. I have been dancing since I was five and it is one of my greatest passions; however, it is not my only passion and it has not been an easy journey from a kindergarten student starting dance to a soon-to-be college freshman. At the age of 7, I began to tic. It started as sniffing, inspiration, and expiration and progressed to uncontrollable picking of my nails and stretching and contracting of my shoulders. It impacted my ability to sit still and focus at school. People noticed and it made them uncomfortable. I was always asked to stop. No one, not my parents, my teachers, my family or my friends understood what was happening. As I moved into middle school, my tics changed. I began squinting my eyes uncontrollably. I could not focus or read, and I could not stop or hide it. I then developed a stomach tic that forces me to bend over and stretch back up. It happens all day long making it difficult to sit. It also began to give me stomach pain. At the same time I began having migraines. And still, we weren’t sure why this was happening. My pediatrician referred me to a neurologist and within minutes I was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome (TS). As he described what was going on in my head, I finally felt as if I was understood and I finally felt like there was something I could do. We began working with him and with a psychologist trained in Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) therapy. Over the years, I have tried all of the recommended medications. Those that helped came with such severed side-effects that I couldn’t continue with them. The rest did not help. In the end, I was not able to find help through medication. I have continued to work on lifestyle habits which have helped to some extent, focusing on sleep, diet, hydration, and stress management. My diagnosis also meant that I could share with others what was going on. I started with family and close friends, but soon I was speaking to everyone in school and at my studio. I was constantly explaining Tourettes to my friends, teachers and other adults. Happily, with understanding came support. I have received specific accommodations in school that have allowed me to excel. School became more manageable and enjoyable. Most interesting to me, but quite common according to my doctors, is that I don’t tic while I dance. Apparently there are so many examples of singers and athletes and others whose tics stop when they begin performing. So beyond my love for dance, its movement, expression, connection, and challenge, it also was a break from my constant tics. Through it all, nothing has reduced or removed my tics, so I have worked hard to develop skills that allow me to succeed in class in spite of the challenges that TS creates. Although I might need extra help at times, working through TS has helped me develop effective study skills, build a stronger work ethic, and learn to advocate for myself. I am proud of my academic record and I am determined to be successful at BoCo. Rather than focusing on my involuntary movements as an obstacle, I have focused on the movements and energy that I can control and this has led me to my greatest passions: helping others believe in themselves and inclusion. I was asked to show how dance can help us understand one another by choreographing a piece that gave insight to my life with TS. This result is called (TIC)kled. It shows my journey, being overwhelmed by something I didn’t understand and couldn’t control, how it used to embarrass me. Through the dance I come to understand what is going on and rather than fight it, I learn to embrace it and live being proud of everything that makes me me. I will never be ashamed of my diagnosis and it will never define me. I choreographed this piece to express how my tics have felt to me at different points in my life. It was a challenge first to create the soundtrack I needed. Then I had to communicate the pain, the confusion and struggle, and finally the acceptance. I have been able to share this now with many others, adults, peers, and younger children. It always generates incredible conversations and everyone has shared how the piece helped them feel safe enough to ask questions and share their own struggles. (TIC)kled gave them the courage to reflect and the willingness to try and understand others. This is my story and it is an example of how I hope to use dance to tell stories that matter and bring us together. You can see the dance here. I am thrilled to continue my studies at BoCo and pursue dance at the highest level. I am committed to finding ways to communicate and inspire through this incredible art form. aBy supporting my dreams, you are supporting the dreams of all of the people I can impact, as a person, as a teacher, as a choreographer, as a performer, and as a person with TS who didn’t let their disability define them.

At the age of 7, I began to tic. It impacted my ability to sit still and focus at school. It was often painful and confusing, to me, my parents, teachers, family, and friends. It was not until sixth grade that my pediatrician referred me to a neurologist. Within minutes I was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome (TS). Most interesting to me, but common according to my doctors, is that I don’t tic when dancing. So beyond my love for dance, its movement, expression, connection, and challenge, it also was a break from my constant tics. Rather than focusing on my involuntary movements as an obstacle, I have focused on the movements and energy that I can control. I began to understand my own situation and I was determined to help others embrace theirs. Over the past seven years, I have volunteered at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School in New Brunswick. Starting as a volunteer reader for Read Across America and then initiating a book drive that supported all of their students, my connection evolved into one of the most important experiences to this point in my life. In my freshman year, I discovered American Sign Language (ASL). I took to this language immediately, with my tics often slowing or stopping when I communicated. I was exposed to an entirely new community of people and learned how I can be a voice for others. ASL also provided another way to impact the students of Woodrow. Volunteering weekly at Woodrow, we learned basic signs and how to express ourselves while fully listening to others. I then created Deaf Awareness Day to connect students across grades. Bringing in friends from the deaf community to present their experiences, the Day became about self-confidence, respect, and connection. The administration has made it an annual part of their Week of Inclusion. At Woodrow, I connected with Jonathan Casillas, a two-time Super Bowl Champion who, having grown up in New Brunswick, created a life-skills camp for middle and high school students. Speakers included NFL veteran Jonathan Vilma and Jen Welter, the first woman to coach in the NFL, each sharing important life lessons. I was the only high school student selected to speak. I shared my story and the importance of embracing our differences. My lesson was that what describes you does not define you. Volunteering in New Brunswick has expanded my understanding of the challenges people face and the ways I can help. I have met a wide variety of people and learned that I can connect with all of them, making space for everyone and building self-confidence and empathy. I am proud to share that I have been accepted to Boston Conservatory at Berklee to study dance and choreography. I am determined to become a choreographer and performer and share stories through movement. I have created engaging pieces highlighting the gaps that exist in our communities, incorporating ASL and sharing personal stories to make people think. I have helped people who did not believe they could dance not only appreciate the art form but perform. I am just beginning. I know my work will have an impact. It will foster the sharing of ideas, give a new voice to so many, and encourage everyone to listen differently. Through teaching, I will provide others with opportunities to develop their unique voice and tell their stories. Your support is an investment in my future and the countless lives I hope to touch through my work. Together, we can foster a more inclusive and compassionate world—one dance at a time. I hope you can help. Thank you!

At the age of 7, I began to tic. It impacted my ability to sit still and focus at school. It was often painful and confusing, to me, my parents, teachers, family, and friends. It was not until sixth grade that my pediatrician referred me to a neurologist. Within minutes I was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome (TS). Most interesting to me, but common according to my doctors, is that I don’t tic when dancing. So beyond my love for dance, its movement, expression, connection, and challenge, it also was a break from my constant tics. Rather than focusing on my involuntary movements as an obstacle, I have focused on the movements and energy that I can control. I began to understand my own situation and I was determined to help others embrace theirs. Over the past seven years, I have volunteered at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School in New Brunswick. Starting as a volunteer reader for Read Across America and then initiating a book drive that supported all of their students, my connection evolved into one of the most important experiences to this point in my life. In my freshman year, I discovered American Sign Language (ASL). I took to this language immediately, with my tics often slowing or stopping when I communicated. I was exposed to an entirely new community of people and learned how I can be a voice for others. ASL also provided another way to impact the students of Woodrow. Volunteering weekly at Woodrow, we learned basic signs and how to express ourselves while fully listening to others. I then created Deaf Awareness Day to connect students across grades. Bringing in friends from the deaf community to present their experiences, the Day became about self-confidence, respect, and connection. The administration has made it an annual part of their Week of Inclusion. At Woodrow, I connected with Jonathan Casillas, a two-time Super Bowl Champion who, having grown up in New Brunswick, created a life-skills camp for middle and high school students. Speakers included NFL veteran Jonathan Vilma and Jen Welter, the first woman to coach in the NFL, each sharing important life lessons. I was the only high school student selected to speak. I shared my story and the importance of embracing our differences. My lesson was that what describes you does not define you. Volunteering in New Brunswick has expanded my understanding of the challenges people face and the ways I can help. I have met a wide variety of people and learned that I can connect with all of them, making space for everyone and building self-confidence and empathy. I am proud to share that I have been accepted to Boston Conservatory at Berklee to study dance and choreography. I am determined to become a choreographer and performer and share stories through movement. I have created engaging pieces highlighting the gaps that exist in our communities, incorporating ASL and sharing personal stories to make people think. I have helped people who did not believe they could dance not only appreciate the art form but perform. I am just beginning. I know my work will have an impact. It will foster the sharing of ideas, give a new voice to so many, and encourage everyone to listen differently. Through teaching, I will provide others with opportunities to develop their unique voice and tell their stories. Your support is an investment in my future and the countless lives I hope to touch through my work. Together, we can foster a more inclusive and compassionate world—one dance at a time. I hope you can help. Thank you!

At the age of 7, I began to tic. It started as sniffing, inspiration, and expiration and progressed to uncontrollable picking of my nails and stretching and contracting of my shoulders. It impacted my ability to sit still and focus at school. People noticed and it made them uncomfortable. I was always asked to stop. No one, not my parents, my teachers, my family or my friends understood what was happening. As I moved into middle school, my tics changed. I began squinting my eyes uncontrollably. I could not focus or read, and I could not stop or hide it. I then developed a stomach tic that forces me to bend over and stretch back up. It happens all day long making it difficult to sit. It also began to give me stomach pain. At the same time I began having migraines. My pediatrician referred me to a neurologist and within minutes I was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome (TS). As he described what was going on in my head, I finally felt as if I was understood and I finally felt like there was something I could do. We began working with him and with a psychologist trained in Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for tics (CBIT) therapy. Over the years, I have tried all of the recommended medications. Those that helped came with such severe side-effects that I couldn’t continue with them. In the end, I was not able to find help through medication. I have continued to work on lifestyle habits which have helped to some extent, focusing on sleep, diet, hydration, and stress management. My diagnosis also meant that I could share with others what was going on and soon I was speaking to everyone, constantly explaining TS to others. With understanding came support. I have received specific accommodations in school that have allowed me to excel. School became more manageable and enjoyable. Most interesting to me, but quite common according to my doctors, is that I don’t tic while I dance. There are so many examples of singers and athletes and others whose tics stop when they begin performing. So beyond my love for dance, its movement, expression, connection, and challenge, it also was a break from my constant tics. Similarly, I discovered American Sign Language as a high school freshman. After struggling for years with the usual, mandatory choices for world languages in school, this language opened a whole new world of communication. Like dancing, ASL requires us to be physically expressive, listening by watching and sharing with our hands and our faces. I took to this language immediately, with my tics often slowing or stopping when I communicate. I was exposed to an entirely new community of people and a new way of connecting with others. Through it all, nothing has reduced or removed my tics, so I have worked hard to develop skills that allow me to succeed in class in spite of the challenges that TS creates. Although I might need extra help at times, working through TS has helped me develop effective study skills, build a stronger work ethic, and learn to advocate for myself. Rather than focusing on my involuntary movements as an obstacle, I have focused on the movements and energy that I can control and this has led me to my greatest passions: helping others believe in themselves and inclusion. I volunteer with students at the annual Forward Progress Camp alongside NFL SuperBowl Champions Jonathan Vilma and Jonathan Casillas as well as Jen Welter, the first female to coach in the NFL. I was the only high school student selected to speak; my session was about resilience and inclusion. I shared that although TS is something that describes me, not something that defines me. Throughout high school, I volunteered with a local elementary school to teach students ASL. I work with them weekly and created Deaf Awareness Day during their Week of Inclusion. These students have found new ways to communicate and better understand people with different abilities. Excelling as a dancer, I have also worked with and taught dancers of all ages, building them up as people and helping them to see what is possible. I am thrilled to share that I was accepted to Boston Conservatory at Berklee to pursue dance at the highest level. I am committed to finding ways to communicate and inspire through this incredible art form. I will continue my study of ASL as well, with the intent of supporting dancers in the deaf community. We should all be included in dance. By supporting my dreams, you are supporting the dreams of all of the people I can impact, as a person, as a teacher, as a choreographer, as a performer, and as a person with Tourette’s who didn’t let their disability define them.

My name is Marissa Lazovick. I am 18 and so proud to share that I have been accepted to Boston Conservatory at Berklee beginning in September to study dance. I have been dancing since I was five and it is one of my greatest passions; however, it is not my only passion and it has not been an easy journey from kindergarten student starting dance to soon-to-be college freshman. At the age of 7, I began to tic. It started as sniffing, inspiration, and expiration and progressed to uncontrollable picking of my nails and stretching and contracting of my shoulders. It impacted my ability to sit still and focus at school. People noticed and it made them uncomfortable. I was always asked to stop. No one, not my parents, my teachers, my family or my friends understood what was happening. As I moved into middle school, my tics changed. I began squinting my eyes uncontrollably. I could not focus or read, and I could not stop or hide it. I then developed a stomach tic that forces me to bend over and stretch back up. It happens all day long making it difficult to sit. It also began to give me stomach pain. At the same time I began having migraines. And still, we weren’t sure why this was happening. My pediatrician referred me to a neurologist and within minutes I was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome. As he described what was going on in my head, I finally felt as if I was understood and I finally felt like there was something I could do. We began working with him and with a psychologist trained in Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for tics (CBIT) therapy. Over the years, I have tried all of the recommended medications. Those that helped came with such severe side-effects that I couldn’t continue with them. The rest did not help. In the end, I was not able to find help through medication. I have continued to work on lifestyle habits which have helped to some extent, focusing on sleep, diet, hydration, and stress management. My diagnosis also meant that I could share with others what was going on. I started with family and close friends, but soon I was speaking to everyone in school and at my dance studio. I was constantly explaining Tourettes to my friends, teachers and xxxx. Happily, with understanding came support. I have received specific accommodations in school that have allowed me to excel. School became more manageable and enjoyable. Most interesting to me, but quite common according to my doctors, is that I don’t tic while I dance. Apparently there are so many examples of singers and athletes and others whose tics stop when they begin performing. So beyond my love for dance, its movement, expression, connection, and challenge, it also was a break from my constant tics. Similarly, I discovered American Sign Language as a high school freshman. After struggling for years with the usual, mandatory choices for world languages in school like Spanish and French, this language opened a whole new world of communication. Like dancing, ASL requires us to be physically expressive, listening by watching and sharing with our hands and our faces. I took to this language immediately, with my tics often slowing or stopping when I communicate. I was exposed to an entirely new community of people and a new way of connecting with others. Through it all, nothing has reduced or removed my tics, so I have worked hard to develop skills that allow me to succeed in class in spite of the challenges that TS creates. Although I might need extra help at times, working through TS has helped me develop effective study skills, build a stronger work ethic, and learn to advocate for myself. I am proud of my academic record and I am determined to be successful at BoCo. Rather than focusing on my involuntary movements as an obstacle, I have focused on the movements and energy that I can control and this has led me to my greatest passions: helping others believe in themselves and inclusion. I volunteer with students at the annual Forward Progress Camp alongside NFL SuperBowl Champions Jonathan Vilma and Jonathan Casillas as well as Jen Welter, the first female to coach in the NFL. I was the only high school student selected to speak; my session was about resilience and inclusion. I shared that although Tourette Syndrome is something that describes me, it is not something that defines me. Throughout high school, I volunteered with a local elementary school to teach students ASL. I work with them weekly and created Deaf Awareness Day during their Week of Inclusion. These students have found new ways to communicate and better understand people with different abilities. Excelling as a dancer, I have also worked with and taught dancers of all ages, building them up as people and helping them to see what is possible. I am thrilled to share that I was accepted to Boston Conservatory at Berklee to pursue dance at the highest level. I am committed to finding ways to communicate and inspire through this incredible art form. I will continue my study of ASL as well, with the intent of supporting dancers in the deaf community. We should all be included in dance. By supporting my dreams, you are supporting the dreams of all of the people I can impact, as a person, as a teacher, as a choreographer, as a performer, and as a person with Tourette’s who didn’t let their disability define them. Inclusion is my passion and I can’t wait to see what’s next. I hope you can help. Thanks for listening.

Over the past four years I have volunteered in New Brunswick Public Schools, spending most of my time with the students at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School. Starting as a volunteer reader for Read Across America and then moving to initiating a book drive that supported all of their students, my connection evolved into one of the most important experiences to this point in my life. In my freshman year, I discovered American Sign Language (ASL). It gave me a new voice and connected me to a group of people I had not met before. My studies opened doors to a new community and broadened my perspective. I have learned how I can be a voice for others, bridging gaps between the hearing and deaf communities. It also provided a way to impact the students of Woodrow. I began to volunteer weekly at Woodrow, in person and virtually, teaching about ASL and the importance of making everyone feel included no matter their abilities. Working with a different grade-level each week, we not only learned basic signs, but we focused on how to express ourselves while fully listening to others. ASL requires a different type and level of focus in order to “hear”, and as the students practiced they became more confident in themselves and stronger overall communicators. The administration was so impressed with the impact that they asked if there were other ways I could connect with the student body. I created Deaf Awareness Day. Deaf Awareness Day was designed to connect students across grades. I brought in friends I had made from the deaf community to present their experiences. We expanded these conversations to larger ones on general inclusion and empathy. The Day became about self-confidence, respect, and connection with others. The administration was so pleased that it became an annual part of their Week of Inclusion activities. My work at Woodrow allowed me to connect with Jonathan Casillas, a two-time Super Bowl Champion who, having grown up in New Brunswick, created a life-skills camp for middle and high school students. There are multiple speakers, including NFL veteran Jonathan Vilma and Jen Welter, the first woman to coach in the NFL, each sharing important life lessons. Seeing what I was doing at Woodrow, Jon invited me to run a session. I was the only high school student selected to speak and I made my session about being resilient. I shared about being diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome and the importance of embracing our differences. My lesson was that what describes you does not define you. Volunteering in the New Brunswick community has expanded my understanding of the different challenges people face and the ways I can help. I have met a wide variety of people and learned that I can connect with all of them. They have helped me grow and I know I have helped them as well. This has changed me as a person and focused my life goals moving forward.

My name is Marissa Lazovick. I am 18 and so proud to share that I have been accepted to Boston Conservatory at Berklee beginning in September to study dance. I have been dancing since I was five and it is one of my greatest passions; however, it is not my only passion and it has not been an easy journey from kindergarten student starting dance to soon-to-be college freshman. At the age of 7, I began to tic. It started as sniffing, inspiration, and expiration and progressed to uncontrollable picking of my nails and stretching and contracting of my shoulders. It impacted my ability to sit still and focus at school. People noticed and it made them uncomfortable. I was always asked to stop. No one, not my parents, my teachers, my family or my friends understood what was happening. I felt alone and out of control. It was difficult to stay positive. As I moved into middle school, my tics changed. I began squinting my eyes uncontrollably. I could not focus or read, and I could not stop or hide it. I then developed a stomach tic that forces me to bend over and stretch back up. It happens all day long making it difficult to sit. It also began to give me stomach pain. At the same time I began having migraines. And still, we weren’t sure why this was happening. My pediatrician referred me to a neurologist and within minutes I was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome. As he described what was going on in my head, I finally felt as if I was understood and I finally felt like there was something I could do. We began working with him and with a psychologist trained in Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for tics (CBIT) therapy. Over the years, I have tried all of the recommended medications. Those that helped came with such severed side-effects that I couldn’t continue with them. The rest did not help. In the end, I was not able to find help through medication. I have continued to work on lifestyle habits which have helped to some extent, focusing on sleep, diet, hydration, and stress management. My diagnosis also meant that I could share with others what was going on. I started with family and close friends, but soon I was speaking to everyone in school and at my studio. I was constantly explaining Tourettes to my friends, teachers and . Happily ,with understanding came support. I have received specific accommodations in school that have allowed me to excel. School became more manageable and enjoyable. Most interesting to me, but quite common according to my doctors, is that I don’t tic while I dance. Apparently there are so many examples of singers and athletes and others whose tics stop when they begin performing. So beyond my love for dance, its movement, expression, connection, and challenge, it also was a break from my constant tics. Similarly, I discovered American Sign Language as a high school freshman. After struggling for years with the usual, mandatory choices for world languages in school like Spanish and French, this language opened a whole new world of communication. Like dancing, ASL requires us to be physically expressive, listening by watching and sharing with our hands and our faces. I took to this language immediately, with my tics often slowing or stopping when I communicate. I was exposed to an entirely new community of people and a new way of connecting with others. Through it all, nothing has reduced or removed my tics, so I have worked hard to develop skills that allow me to succeed in class in spite of the challenges that TS creates. Although I might need extra help at times, working through TS has helped me develop effective study skills, build a stronger work ethic, and learn to advocate for myself. I am proud of my academic record and I am determined to be successful at BoCo. Rather than focusing on my involuntary movements as an obstacle, I have focused on the movements and energy that I can control and this has led me to my greatest passions: helping others believe in themselves and inclusion. I volunteer with students at the annual Forward Progress Camp alongside NFL SuperBowl Champions Jonathan Vilma and Jonathan Casillas as well as Jen Welter, the first female to coach in the NFL. I was the only high school student selected to speak; my session was about resilience and inclusion. I shared that although Tourette Syndrome is something that describes me, it is not something that defines me. Throughout high school, I volunteered with a local elementary school to teach students ASL. I work with them weekly and created Deaf Awareness Day during their Week of Inclusion. These students have found new ways to communicate and better understand people with different abilities. Excelling as a dancer, I have also worked with and taught dancers of all ages, building them up as people and helping them to see what is possible. I am thrilled to share that I was accepted to Boston Conservatory at Berklee to pursue dance at the highest level. I am committed to finding ways to communicate and inspire through this incredible art form. I will continue my study of ASL as well, with the intent of supporting dancers in the deaf community. We should all be included in dance. By supporting my dreams, you are supporting the dreams of all of the people I can impact, as a person, as a teacher, as a choreographer, as a performer, and as a person with Tourette’s who didn’t let their disability define them. Inclusion is my passion and I can’t wait to see what’s next. I hope you can help. Thanks for listening.

Nothing can move us the way theater can. It transcends language and culture, uniting people through an emotional connection to what makes us human. Exceptional choreography brings together people with various experiences and perspectives and moves them to think and act differently. I am committed to using dance and theater to do this. At the age of 7, I began to tic. It impacted my ability to sit still and focus at school. It was often painful and confusing, to me, my parents, teachers, family, and friends. It was not until sixth grade that my pediatrician referred me to a neurologist. Within minutes I was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome (TS). Rather than focusing on my involuntary movements as an obstacle, I have focused on the movements and energy that I can control. I began to understand my own situation and I was determined to help others embrace theirs. One heart, one beat… offstage and on. For seven years, I have volunteered weekly at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, using American Sign Language as a way of engaging students. We learn basic signs and how to fully listen to others. I created Deaf Awareness Day to connect students across grades. Bringing in friends from the deaf community, the Day became about self-confidence, respect, and connection. The administration has made it an annual part of their Week of Inclusion. Woodrow connected me with Jonathan Casillas, a two-time Super Bowl Champion who, having grown up in New Brunswick, created a life-skills camp for students. Speakers included NFL veteran Jonathan Vilma and Jen Welter, the first woman to coach in the NFL, each sharing important life lessons. I was the only high school student selected to speak, sharing my story and the importance of embracing our differences. One heart, one beat. Volunteering in New Brunswick has expanded my understanding of the challenges people face and the ways I can help. I have met a wide variety of people and learned that I can connect with all of them, making space for everyone and building self-confidence and empathy. On stage, it is my job as a choreographer to make this connection. (TIC)kled is a piece that shares my story as a way to open up communication, introspection, and empathy. Sharing my experience with TS was challenging. I had to create a soundtrack for my journey that included my tics, overwhelming and jarring at first and interwoven with the music by the end. Then I had to communicate through movement the pain, confusion and struggle, and finally the understanding. I have shared the video with others, from dancers and school peers to teachers and elementary school students. They have shared their reactions and have felt safe enough and moved to ask questions and share their struggles. TIC(kled) has given people the courage to examine themselves and the willingness to try and understand others. I have been accepted to Boston Conservatory at Berklee to study dance and choreography. I am determined to become a choreographer, teacher, and performer and share stories through movement. I have created engaging pieces highlighting the gaps that exist in our communities, incorporating ASL and sharing personal stories to make people think. I have helped people who did not believe they could dance not only appreciate the art form but perform. I am just beginning. I know my work will have an impact. It will provide others with opportunities to develop their unique voice and tell their stories. It will foster the sharing of ideas, give a new voice to so many, and encourage everyone to listen differently… together.

I am committed to helping others find their unique voice and to fostering safe spaces where everyone is included. My parents instilled in me at an early age the importance of finding ways to positively impact others. They shared that we need to create ways that connect our strength and passions with efforts that lift others up. That is what I have tried to do, facing my own challenges and working to make a difference. At the age of 7, I began to tic. It impacted my ability to sit still and focus at school. It was often painful and confusing, to me, my parents, teachers, family, and friends. It was not until sixth grade that my pediatrician referred me to a neurologist. Within minutes I was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome (TS). Rather than focusing on my involuntary movements as an obstacle, I have focused on the movements and energy that I can control. I began to understand my own situation and I was determined to help others embrace theirs. Over the past seven years, I have volunteered at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School in New Brunswick. Starting as a volunteer reader for Read Across America and then initiating a book drive that supported all of their students, my connection evolved into one of the most important experiences to this point in my life. I earned my Seal of Biliteracy in American Sign Language (ASL) and ASL provided another way to impact Woodrow’s students. Volunteering weekly at Woodrow, we learned basic signs and how to express ourselves while fully listening to others. I then created Deaf Awareness Day to connect students across grades. Bringing in friends from the deaf community to present their experiences, the Day became about self-confidence, respect, and connection. The administration has made it an annual part of their Week of Inclusion. At Woodrow, I connected with Jonathan Casillas, a two-time Super Bowl Champion who, having grown up in New Brunswick, created a life-skills camp for middle and high school students. Speakers included NFL veteran Jonathan Vilma and Jen Welter, the first woman to coach in the NFL, each sharing important life lessons. I was the only high school student selected to speak. I shared my story and the importance of embracing our differences. My lesson was that what describes you does not define you. Volunteering in New Brunswick has expanded my understanding of the challenges people face and the ways I can help. I have met a wide variety of people and learned that I can connect with all of them, making space for everyone and building self-confidence and empathy. I am proud to share that I have been accepted to Boston Conservatory at Berklee to study dance and choreography. I am determined to become a choreographer and performer and share stories through movement. I have created engaging pieces highlighting the gaps that exist in our communities, incorporating ASL and sharing personal stories to make people think. I have helped people who did not believe they could dance not only appreciate the art form but perform. I am just beginning. I know my work will have an impact. It will foster the sharing of ideas, give a new voice to so many, and encourage everyone to listen differently. Through teaching, I will provide others with opportunities to develop their unique voice and tell their stories. Your support is an investment in my future and the countless lives I hope to touch through my work. Together, we can foster a more inclusive and compassionate world—one dance at a time. I hope you can help. Thank you!

I have been a competitive dancer since I was five. Throughout high school, I have trained a minimum of four hours a day, six days a week. I have won national titles and was recognized by the National Dance Honor Society as the national winner of the 2024 NHSDA Artistic Merit, Leadership, and Academic Achievement Award. I have remained committed to the highest standards of athletic competition and am proud of my achievements. But this isn’t why I dance. At the age of 7, I began to tic. It impacted my ability to sit still and focus at school. It was often painful and confusing, to me, my parents, teachers, family, and friends. It was not until sixth grade that my pediatrician referred me to a neurologist. Within minutes I was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome (TS). Rather than focusing on my involuntary movements as an obstacle, I have focused on the movements and energy that I can control. Interesting to me, but common according to my doctors, is that I don’t tic when dancing. So beyond my love for dance, it also was a break from my constant tics. Over the past seven years, I have volunteered at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School in New Brunswick. Starting as a volunteer reader for Read Across America and then initiating a book drive that supported all of their students, my connection evolved into one of the most important experiences to this point in my life. I began volunteering weekly at Woodrow, using American Sign Language to build confidence and empathy. We learned basic signs and how to express ourselves while fully listening to others. I created Deaf Awareness Day to connect students across grades. Bringing in friends from the deaf community to present their experiences, the Day became about self-confidence, respect, and connection. The administration has made it an annual part of their Week of Inclusion. At Woodrow, I connected with New Brunswick native Jonathan Casillas, a two-time Super Bowl Champion who created a life-skills camp for middle and high school students. Speakers included NFL veteran Jonathan Vilma and Jen Welter, the first woman to coach in the NFL, each sharing important life lessons. I was the only high school student selected to speak, sharing my story and the importance of embracing our differences. My lesson was that what describes you does not define you. Volunteering in New Brunswick has expanded my understanding of the challenges people face and the ways I can help. I have met a wide variety of people and learned that I can connect with all of them, making space for everyone and building self-confidence and empathy. I have been accepted to Boston Conservatory at Berklee to study dance and choreography. I am determined to become a choreographer and performer and share stories through movement. I have created engaging pieces highlighting the gaps that exist in our communities, incorporating ASL and sharing personal stories to make people think. I have helped people who did not believe they could dance not only appreciate the art form but perform. I am just beginning. I know my work will have an impact. It will foster the sharing of ideas, give a new voice to so many, and encourage everyone to listen differently. Through teaching, I will provide others with opportunities to develop their unique voice and tell their stories. Your support is an investment in my future and the countless lives I hope to touch through my work. Together, we can foster a more inclusive and compassionate world—one dance at a time. I hope you can help. Thank you!

At the age of 7, I began to tic. It impacted my ability to sit still and focus at school. It was often painful and confusing, to me, my parents, teachers, family, and friends. It was not until sixth grade that my pediatrician referred me to a neurologist. Within minutes I was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome (TS). Most interesting to me, but common according to my doctors, is that I don’t tic when dancing. So beyond my love for dance, its movement, expression, connection, and challenge, it also was a break from my constant tics. Rather than focusing on my involuntary movements as an obstacle, I have focused on the movements and energy that I can control. I began to understand my own situation and I was determined to help others embrace theirs. Over the past seven years, I have volunteered at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School in New Brunswick. Starting as a volunteer reader for Read Across America and then initiating a book drive that supported all of their students, my connection evolved into one of the most important experiences to this point in my life. In my freshman year, I discovered American Sign Language (ASL). I took to this language immediately, with my tics often slowing or stopping when I communicated. I was exposed to an entirely new community of people and learned how I can be a voice for others. ASL also provided another way to impact the students of Woodrow. Volunteering weekly at Woodrow, we learned basic signs and how to express ourselves while fully listening to others. I then created Deaf Awareness Day to connect students across grades. Bringing in friends from the deaf community to present their experiences, the Day became about self-confidence, respect, and connection. The administration has made it an annual part of their Week of Inclusion. At Woodrow, I connected with Jonathan Casillas, a two-time Super Bowl Champion who, having grown up in New Brunswick, created a life-skills camp for middle and high school students. Speakers included NFL veteran Jonathan Vilma and Jen Welter, the first woman to coach in the NFL, each sharing important life lessons. I was the only high school student selected to speak. I shared my story and the importance of embracing our differences. My lesson was that what describes you does not define you. Volunteering in New Brunswick has expanded my understanding of the challenges people face and the ways I can help. I have met a wide variety of people and learned that I can connect with all of them, making space for everyone and building self-confidence and empathy. I am proud to share that I have been accepted to Boston Conservatory at Berklee to study dance and choreography. I am determined to become a choreographer and performer and share stories through movement. I have created engaging pieces highlighting the gaps that exist in our communities, incorporating ASL and sharing personal stories to make people think. I have helped people who did not believe they could dance not only appreciate the art form but perform. I am just beginning. I know my work will have an impact. It will foster the sharing of ideas, give a new voice to so many, and encourage everyone to listen differently. Through teaching, I will provide others with opportunities to develop their unique voice and tell their stories. Your support is an investment in my future and the countless lives I hope to touch through my work. Together, we can foster a more inclusive and compassionate world—one dance at a time. I hope you can help. Thank you!

Nothing can move us the way art can. It transcends language and culture, uniting people through an emotional connection to what makes us human. Exceptional choreography brings together people with various experiences and perspectives and for a moment, intertwines them with one heart, one beat. At the age of 7, I began to tic. It impacted my ability to sit still and focus at school. It was often painful and confusing, to me, my parents, teachers, family, and friends. It was not until sixth grade that my pediatrician referred me to a neurologist. Within minutes I was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome (TS). Rather than focusing on my involuntary movements as an obstacle, I have focused on the movements and energy that I can control. I began to understand my own situation and I was determined to help others embrace theirs. One heart, one beat… offstage and on. For seven years, I have volunteered weekly at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, using American Sign Language as a way of engaging students. We learn basic signs and how to fully listen to others. I created Deaf Awareness Day to connect students across grades. Bringing in friends from the deaf community, the Day became about self-confidence, respect, and connection. The administration has made it an annual part of their Week of Inclusion. Woodrow connected me with Jonathan Casillas, a two-time Super Bowl Champion who, having grown up in New Brunswick, created a life-skills camp for students. Speakers included NFL veteran Jonathan Vilma and Jen Welter, the first woman to coach in the NFL, each sharing important life lessons. I was the only high school student selected to speak, sharing my story and the importance of embracing our differences. One heart, one beat. Volunteering in New Brunswick has expanded my understanding of the challenges people face and the ways I can help. I have met a wide variety of people and learned that I can connect with all of them, making space for everyone and building self-confidence and empathy. On stage, it is my job as a choreographer to make this connection. (TIC)kled is a piece that shares my story as a way to open up communication, introspection, and empathy. Sharing my experience with TS was challenging. I had to create a soundtrack for my journey that included my tics, overwhelming and jarring at first and interwoven with the music by the end. Then I had to communicate through movement the pain, confusion and struggle, and finally the understanding. I have shared the video with others, from dancers and school peers to teachers and elementary school students. They have shared their reactions and have felt safe enough and moved to ask questions and share their struggles. TICkled) has given people the courage to examine themselves and the willingness to try and understand others, moving us toward “One Heart, One Beat.” I have been accepted to Boston Conservatory at Berklee to study dance and choreography. I am determined to become a choreographer, teacher, and performer and share stories through movement. I have created engaging pieces highlighting the gaps that exist in our communities, incorporating ASL and sharing personal stories to make people think. I have helped people who did not believe they could dance not only appreciate the art form but perform. I am just beginning. I know my work will have an impact. It will provide others with opportunities to develop their unique voice and tell their stories. It will foster the sharing of ideas, give a new voice to so many, and encourage everyone to listen differently… together. One Heart, One Beat.

Nothing can move us the way art can. It transcends language and culture, uniting people through an emotional connection to what makes us human. Exceptional choreography brings together people with various experiences and perspectives and for a moment, intertwines them with one heart, one beat. At the age of 7, I began to tic. It impacted my ability to sit still and focus at school. It was often painful and confusing, to me, my parents, teachers, family, and friends. It was not until sixth grade that my pediatrician referred me to a neurologist. Within minutes I was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome (TS). Rather than focusing on my involuntary movements as an obstacle, I have focused on the movements and energy that I can control. I began to understand my own situation and I was determined to help others embrace theirs. One heart, one beat… offstage and on. For seven years, I have volunteered weekly at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, using American Sign Language as a way of engaging students. We learn basic signs and how to fully listen to others. I created Deaf Awareness Day to connect students across grades. Bringing in friends from the deaf community, the Day became about self-confidence, respect, and connection. The administration has made it an annual part of their Week of Inclusion. Woodrow connected me with Jonathan Casillas, a two-time Super Bowl Champion who, having grown up in New Brunswick, created a life-skills camp for students. Speakers included NFL veteran Jonathan Vilma and Jen Welter, the first woman to coach in the NFL, each sharing important life lessons. I was the only high school student selected to speak, sharing my story and the importance of embracing our differences. One heart, one beat. Volunteering in New Brunswick has expanded my understanding of the challenges people face and the ways I can help. I have met a wide variety of people and learned that I can connect with all of them, making space for everyone and building self-confidence and empathy. On stage, it is my job as a choreographer to make this connection. (TIC)kled is a piece that shares my story as a way to open up communication, introspection, and empathy. Sharing my experience with TS was challenging. I had to create a soundtrack for my journey that included my tics, overwhelming and jarring at first and interwoven with the music by the end. Then I had to communicate through movement the pain, confusion and struggle, and finally the understanding. I have shared the video with others, from dancers and school peers to teachers and elementary school students. They have shared their reactions and have felt safe enough and moved to ask questions and share their struggles. TICkled) has given people the courage to examine themselves and the willingness to try and understand others, moving us toward “One Heart, One Beat.” I have been accepted to Boston Conservatory at Berklee to study dance and choreography. I am determined to become a choreographer, teacher, and performer and share stories through movement. I have created engaging pieces highlighting the gaps that exist in our communities, incorporating ASL and sharing personal stories to make people think. I have helped people who did not believe they could dance not only appreciate the art form but perform. I am just beginning. I know my work will have an impact. It will provide others with opportunities to develop their unique voice and tell their stories. It will foster the sharing of ideas, give a new voice to so many, and encourage everyone to listen differently… together. One Heart, One Beat.

At the age of 7, I began to tic. It impacted my ability to sit still and focus at school. It was often painful and confusing, to me, my parents, teachers, family, and friends. It was not until sixth grade that my pediatrician referred me to a neurologist. Within minutes I was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome (TS). Most interesting to me, but common according to my doctors, is that I don’t tic when dancing. So beyond my love for dance, its movement, expression, connection, and challenge, it also was a break from my constant tics. Rather than focusing on my involuntary movements as an obstacle, I have focused on the movements and energy that I can control. I began to understand my own situation and I was determined to help others embrace theirs. Over the past seven years, I have volunteered at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School in New Brunswick. Starting as a volunteer reader for Read Across America and then initiating a book drive that supported all of their students, my connection evolved into one of the most important experiences to this point in my life. In my freshman year, I discovered American Sign Language (ASL). I took to this language immediately, with my tics often slowing or stopping when I communicated. I was exposed to an entirely new community of people and learned how I can be a voice for others. ASL also provided another way to impact the students of Woodrow. Volunteering weekly at Woodrow, we learned basic signs and how to express ourselves while fully listening to others. I then created Deaf Awareness Day to connect students across grades. Bringing in friends from the deaf community to present their experiences, the Day became about self-confidence, respect, and connection. The administration has made it an annual part of their Week of Inclusion. At Woodrow, I connected with Jonathan Casillas, a two-time Super Bowl Champion who, having grown up in New Brunswick, created a life-skills camp for middle and high school students. Speakers included NFL veteran Jonathan Vilma and Jen Welter, the first woman to coach in the NFL, each sharing important life lessons. I was the only high school student selected to speak. I shared my story and the importance of embracing our differences. My lesson was that what describes you does not define you. Volunteering in New Brunswick has expanded my understanding of the challenges people face and the ways I can help. I have met a wide variety of people and learned that I can connect with all of them, making space for everyone and building self-confidence and empathy. I am proud to share that I have been accepted to Boston Conservatory at Berklee to study dance and choreography. I am determined to become a choreographer and performer and share stories through movement. I have created engaging pieces highlighting the gaps that exist in our communities, incorporating ASL and sharing personal stories to make people think. I have helped people who did not believe they could dance not only appreciate the art form but perform. I am just beginning. I know my work will have an impact. It will foster the sharing of ideas, give a new voice to so many, and encourage everyone to listen differently. Through teaching, I will provide others with opportunities to develop their unique voice and tell their stories. Your support is an investment in my future and the countless lives I hope to touch through my work. Together, we can foster a more inclusive and compassionate world—one dance at a time. I hope you can help. Thank you!