Willis has been a residential student at NECC for over four years. One of our older students, he is preparing to graduate and move into his own adult apartment with staff support operated by the Department of Mental Retardation. As a result of learning many social skills Willis had a lot of independence around school and interacted with many students and staff throughout our programs. He made many friends at NECC and he will be missed.

"You know, ever since when I first moved here on August 30, I really learned a lot. Even when I didn’t realize I was learning, I see now that I was. Deep down the teachers really care about you. Sometimes the programs seem strict, but that just proves that they care.

The only teacher you remember is the one that is strict with you, because that is the one who cares the most. Even though it is upsetting that they run your program so closely, in the end it is obvious that they are interested in seeing you progress. As you grow older and look at things in a more open way, you see how beneficial NECC is.

My advice to future students would be to remain open to learning as much as possible. The teachers are here to show you the door, but it is your job to step through it.

Now that I am graduating I realize that 'Wow, NECC is a really great school.' The friends that I met here have been great, and I will miss them all."