Dancer, model and influencer Cassidy Lee Richardson, 20, is defying her doubters, pursuing her career dream, and on track to dancing on a cruise ship.

A Tourette’s Syndrome diagnosis at 11 provided closure for Cassidy and her family, who just wanted to identify the cause of her tics.

Her friends were supportive, others were not.

Some of her teachers told Cassidy she would never be able to dance professionally due to the diagnosis, and bullies at school ridiculed her.

Cassidy refused to believe her doubters, remained positive, and focused on her goals.

A Layne Beachley Foundation scholarship in 2017 allowed her to fund tuition at Transit Dance – all dance students must pay fees upfront, as performing arts degrees do not qualify for the HELP (formerly HECS) scheme. 

Now she is six months from completing her studies in Melbourne, and setting sail with a cruise company – she is already fielding job offers.

“It feels good to be able to tell my friends what I’m doing, have them excited for me as well,” Cassidy said.

“It also feels good to post on Facebook and Instagram show the people who told me I couldn’t make it.”

Cassidy wants to encourage kids who are being bullied to stay positive.

“It’s hard to ignore it and not take things to heart, just know that things do get better after school,” Cassidy said.

“Find your safe person, don’t stop believing in what you want to do.”

An online video featuring Cassidy’s story has gone viral with nearly half a million views. 

“I had a heap of people telling me they had seen my video and they had tourette’s and they were really touched by it, they asked me questions and I was able to help a few people,” Cassidy said.

She lives by the motto, knowledge and information leads to understanding and acceptance.

“I’ve always been super open about it,” she said.

“There were probably a few years where I was getting bullied for it and I went into my shell.

“But now if people have a question about it, I’m happy to answer them, better to ask than assume.”