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among friends to the feeling of beginning again and “I am not sure I will succeed”. His mother joined the staff of New River Community College inOctober of his second year. He then became acquainted with the people in her department and also visited the classroom of his Aunt Janet, who had taught English at NRCC for several years. He met a faculty member I had taught in kindergarten my first year in Pulaski. How time flies! Keaton completed all of the required courses for an Associate Degree in Administrative Support Technology. He was on the President’s List each semester, receiving a total of nineteen A’s and three B’s. (He counted them all, as he loves facts with figures.) He won the top honor from his department, receiving the Presidential Administrative Technology Support Award. For yet another graduation ceremony family and friends were present to see him receive his diploma. Most students shook hands with Dr. Lewis, the college president, as they walked across the stage. Not Keaton, he gave Dr. Lewis a big hug! Keaton has had a long time fear of persons’ knowing that he is autistic. He wants to “be normal” and to be accepted as such. Once when he had exasperated all of us, he asked his mother how people knew he was autistic or had a disability, as he likes to call it. Her reply was to ask him if he thought it could be going in circles with his arms straight out or possibly his repetition of words or questions. This appeared to go right by him. Today he still rubs his hands together and gives a big smile when he is excited and/or happy.

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