<p>Hello, i love this site because I am always interested to hear what is going on at different schools. One issue that has come up at my school is that a student really wants to be a tour guide but some people here dont think thats a good idea because she has Tourette Syndrome. </p>
<p>On one hand, shes the schools Best Story, a bright and courageous girl who succeeds despite a severe disability. This girl is very cute but the reason being given against her is that her condition could make prospective students and parents nervous, especially if she starts swearing. </p>
<p>Prospective students are only 13 or 14 years old and they can be highly impressionable and make snap judgments. One girl justified this exclusion by saying, The school has to put on the best, most perfect face they can for tours." </p>
<p>I think once families heard her enthusiastically talking about her clubs and dorm life they would realize just how smart and well adjusted she is. Please be honest: do you think she would make a good ambassador for the school or would she simply turn visitors off?</p>
<p>Honestly, I think she might be a great co tour leader. I agree, she has a story to tell, but not everyone will listen if the delivery is too distracting. It is a tough situation, because you basically have to take into account the fact that ignorance might play a factor in what people think/remember about the school. Good luck to that student–I admire her determination.
zp</p>
<p>I would recommend she totally attempt to be a tour guide, but share the responsibility with someone. This person can be a very close friend who is willing to explain her condition, and also reassure prospective students and parents with their so-called “normalcy.”</p>
<p>Don’t worry, I have a friend with Tourette’s at my school, and he is totally cool with it and always pokes fun at himself. Very nice, intelligent guy, on track to be valedictorian, and he’s not letting his Tourette’s get in the way of presenting the commencement address. (He’s going to boarding school as well.)</p>
<p>Why can’t the girl introduce herself and very briefly explain her condition to the prospective family and move on? Aren’t most people familiar with TS anyway? I don’t think her having TS precludes her from being “the best, most perfect face.” Jeez! Maybe the school could look at it this way; if the family has a problem going to school with a girl with TS, they’ve been prescreened and it’s a good thing if they don’t apply.</p>
<p>Frankly an enthusiastic friendly tour guide with a tic would be a LOT better than a timid, blah tour guide. We had a shy little mouse of a tour guide at one school and although I told my child that “you shouldn’t let her demeanor put you off about this school”, I know it affected her feelings about the institution. Upbeat tour guides win hands down in my book, regardless of any disability.</p>