My name is Sebastian Lijo. My relationship with NJCTS began with my mother’s involvement, as she dedicated her time volunteering at events before eventually joining their team full-time. After graduating from Somerville High School, I applied for and was fortunate enough to receive the NJCTS Youth Scholarship. This support allowed me to begin my higher education at Raritan Valley Community College, where I was admitted into the prestigious Honors Program. After earning my Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts, I transferred to Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts, earning my degree in Graphic Design. Graduating with a 4.0 GPA, I seized every opportunity to contribute to the school’s design projects while fostering relationships with esteemed professors and fellow passionate designers. Currently, I am working as a graphic designer in Edison, where I design packaging for audio products sold in major retail outlets.
Though Tourette Syndrome affects aspects of my daily life, I refuse to view it as an obstacle hindering my aspirations. Despite its challenges, I’ve excelled in various parts of my life, maintaining connections with friends and enjoying hobbies like hiking, rock climbing, cooking, and drawing. In moments of frustration and mental fatigue, I’ve learned how to prioritize my well-being, drawing on coping mechanisms gathered from the resources provided by NJCTS. Equally important is the sense of belonging fostered by the NJCTS community. Knowing others are navigating similar journeys with whom I can lean on for support gives me a sense of reassurance and propels me forward in the pursuit of my ambitions.
To celebrate 20 years of NJCTS we will be showcasing 20 stories of adults with TS who were once involved in the organization and now all grown up! Stay tuned as we share all of these incredible and successful stories!