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Thursday, June 24, 2010
Autism Graduate Gives Hope
Eric Duquette did not say his first word until the age of 5. Doctors and specialists told his parents that he would end up in an institution. All because he has autism.
Now at age 18, the only institution the Smithfield High School, Rhode Island student will be attending is Rhode Island College this fall to study biology and become a pharmacist.
You see Eric is a salutatorian, meaning he earned the second highest grade point average in his class. And even though the 5-year-old Eric could not say a word, the 18-year-old Eric gave the commencement speech at his graduation last week.
In fact, he could have given his speech in Spanish, as he is a member of the Spanish National Honor Society and placed 93rd in the nation on the Spanish V exam.
And while he mentioned to the audience his struggles with autism, the honor student let it slip how he was accepted to every college that he applied too. But there was a reason why he was mentioning his accomplishments.
“I tell you this so you do not allow yourself or others to be defined by your limitations but rather abilities. Never underestimate yourself,” Eric told his graduating class.
But sadly, you won’t find Eric Duquette’s story getting any major coverage like the BP oil spill or the resignation of Gen. Stanley McChrystal. Yes, the media has to make tough decisions in selecting the type of coverage a certain story gets.
However, as a country, no, as a world, we need to hear about Eric Duquette’s struggles with autism and how he raised up and faced that challenge.
Because in a world seemingly gone mad with oil spills and terrorists, we need to hear about hope and bravery. We need to hear about the Eric Duquettes of the world. Think of it as Chicken Soup for the soul.
We need to hear about some good news to help us keep our sanity while we read about the bad news.
We need to hear about Eric to remind us that there is a lot of good in this world.
Go here to find more about autism.
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