Who's Eric Duquette and why does he give me hope?

Eric Duquette.

Google the name and see what you find.

He's not famous, but he oughta be.

Duquette just graduated high school in Rhode Island as salutatorian in a class of about 200 and gave a speech that will leave you wondering whether to laugh at his keen sense of humor or to cry in sheer joy and amazement at his accomplishment.

He didn't begin to speak until he was five years old.

Autism.

His parents were told he'd wind up in an institution.

According to Duquette, the doctors were right -- in a way.

He's been accepted into every institution of higher learning to which he's applied.

Never ever, ever give up.

Thanks, Eric.