As I get closer and closer to graduation, I begin to see the light at the end of a tunnel of my time here at Manchester Community College. I begin to reflect on everything I have learned here in my four-year journey. I realized that I have grown so much since high school and become the man I have become before you today. My four years had its share of obstacles that I had to overcome to get to graduation. But I've been jumping through hoops and fighting adversity since I was born. I was born with an umbilical cord wrapped around my neck, which restricted my breathing since I was a baby. At first they thought it would be worse than it became. I was later diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome and ADHD. Asperger's is a high-functioning form of autism. The signs and symptoms are less severe than other forms of autism. In fact, a person with Asperger's usually has an average or above-average IQ. A person with Asperger's also has a delay in motor skills. An example of this is that I didn't learn to walk or talk until I was four, and to ride a bike until I was 10. Another symptom of Asperger's syndrome is that I have difficulty interacting and socializing with others. Sometimes, I don't know how to read people's emotions and signals. I have improved over the years thanks to all the friends I have made here at MCC. Another symptom of Asperger's syndrome is obsessive interest in something. For me it was sports and the Red Sox. I also have ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, which sometimes affects my ability to concentrate. I can get distracted easily, so it's difficult for me to concentrate on a task or read for a long period of time. I take medication to help with my ADH... middle of paper... the first few school years of my life I won't forget. I have many great teachers, who have become mentors to me. During my time here at MCC I have met many great friends, who I will not forget. I think my time and journey at Manchester Community College has prepared me and given me the tools to be successful in the future and has given me a good foundation and system to work with when I start working on my Communications degree at Central . It hasn't hit me yet, I'm graduating, it probably won't hit me until I'm ready to walk on stage with my band on May 29th. MCC helped me map out my path to the next step in my life. It's all thanks to the professors and friends I've made over four years. I can't believe my time at MCC is over. Since MCC has truly become my second home, I am sad that my journey is over.