What does it take to overcome barriers and achieve your dreams? In this episode of The Uptick, I sit down with Jenna Smith, a senior at Duke University and a newly awarded Rhodes Scholar, to talk about her journey navigating Tourette Syndrome while excelling academically and pursuing a career in law and criminal justice. From her early struggles with tics in the classroom to standing on some of the world’s biggest academic stages, Jenna shares how she built confidence, found community, and learned to embrace her unique path.

Jenna Smith is a senior at Duke University originally from Scotch Plains, New Jersey. She will be graduating this May with a major in International Comparative Studies and a minor in journalism and media. Jenna was among the 32 recipients selected for the Rhodes Scholarship, where she will be going to the University of Oxford in the UK for 2 years of study

Episode Highlights:

[2:38] The moment Jenna found out she was awarded the Rhodes Scholarship.
[4:59] How a documentary project in Mississippi shaped her passion for criminal justice.
[7:06] Her dream of using restorative justice to create meaningful change.
[9:23] Struggling with math, tic attacks during exams, and the pressure of academic performance.
[13:47] The challenge of navigating Tourette’s in middle school and how self-awareness helped.
[17:44] Learning to self-advocate—why early diagnosis and accommodations made a difference.
[23:04] How humor and openness helped Jenna shape how others respond to her tics.
[28:01] Growing up with a sibling who also has Tourette’s—lessons in support and resilience.
[32:30] Taking on challenges: How Brazilian Jiu Jitsu became a confidence-building hobby.
[37:05] Building confidence from within—why competence, community, and self-trust matter.

Links & Resources:

• Duke UniversityPress Release about Jenna Smith: https://today.duke.edu/2024/11/duke-senior-jenna-smith-wins-rhodes-scholarship
• The Rhodes Scholarship: https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/
• Restorative Justice Durham: www.restorativejusticedurham.org
• Duke Justice Project: www.duke.edu

Remember, each story shared on this podcast brings light and understanding to the diverse experiences within the Tourette's community. Your journey is your own, and it's filled with potential and promise. If this episode resonated with you, I encourage you to like, share, and leave a review to help us connect with more listeners.

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