As I grew up on the island of Saipan, lots of things happened to me in my childhood, until the day I graduated from High School. It was a long journey full of struggles and memories blended like a fruitshake. On my early age, I was unable to speak until my mom fed me a fried chicken-butt. And somehow it helped me a lot, however, it made me a talkative person. My Father was always kind when my older sister and I were babies, until we grew up, he started to change and drink a lot. He became abusive, then things changed again, and for sure, it was better than before. My older sister was always there for me, and always loved me like no other doll. She was tough, kind, and funny all the way. And finally, my mother, who really helped me a lot. She teaches me lots of things about life and the environment around me, helps me socialize with different people, and helps me with exposure to the world to learn from what going on around me, and to face reality. It helped me adapt to the world as I grew up, to learn more and more, and expand my knowledge. I also thank some of my teachers who helped me a lot in my education, the members of the Autism Society of the CNMI ( ASCNMI ); That's when I met a good friend who also has Aspergers, and God's blessings, who helped me along the way, and gave me strength through my long struggles. In my childhood, I've always been bullied and alone back then. That is why I thank God, my mom, and everyone for helping me a lot. The Lord and my Mother are still helping me to these days, and forever I cherish them in my heart. And now, I always say "GOOEY!" when I'm happy or excited. So, to all the the parents who have children with Autism, never give up teaching them, accept them for who they are, and give them the love that they always need. Thank you!

Larissa Marie M. Reyes
Yuma, AZ