As I grew up on the island of Saipan, lots of things happened in my childhood, until the day I graduated from High School. It was a long journey so far, and full of 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 a stuffed doll. She is tough, kind, and funny all the way. And finally, my mother, who is always helping me a lot. She teached me lots of things about life so far, and is always helping me try to socialize with different people, to learn what's going on around the world, to face reality. It helped me learn more, to expand my knowledge. And she does everything she can to support me and my sister. Sometimes, she is strict only for my own good, but in the same time, she shows me a kind loving sensation. 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. In my childhood, I've always been bullied and alone back then. But that was all in the past now. There are more things I need to learn.And all I need to do is live through. I always say "GOOEY!" when I'm excited or bored ( hard to tell ). So, to all the the parents who have children with Autism, never give up trying to teach them the good things that can help them grow and learn, accept them for who they are, and give them the love that they always need.

Larissa Marie
Saipan, MP