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MICHEL MARTIN, HOST:
It's Friday, which means it's time for StoryCorps. Jhovana Figueroa was raising her son on her own in Queens, New York. At 3 years old, Anthony wasn't speaking and was diagnosed with autism. Ten years later, Jhovana brought Anthony to StoryCorps.
JHOVANA FIGUEROA: Anthony, what are you hope for the future?
ANTHONY FIGUEROA: Well, when I was a kid, I wanted to become an astronaut, but now I don't really think so. Astronomy is still pretty cool, but I feel like you are more likely to make it in the NBA than become an astronaut.
FIGUEROA: What I think is whatever you want in your life, you can do it. Do you have a question for me?
ANTHONY: In a movie of your life, what are some scenes you'll never forget?
FIGUEROA: I remember you were not talking. You were not socializing. So it was hard for me to go outside and see other moms talking with the kids, and I was just talking by myself. Then at 7, you were in the bath, and I was playing with you with bubbles. When I went and I was looking for the towel, you called me - mommy. And that was the first time that you talk and the first time that you called me mommy. So I start shaking, and the only thing that I remember saying was, (crying) I'm coming, baby. I'm coming. You remember that?
ANTHONY: No, but it's beautiful.
FIGUEROA: I remember the first time that you request something. I was into the healthy food, and we were walking, and you see the pizzeria. And I say, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. And you make your best try to put two words together, and you say, I want pizza. I was so, so happy that I went inside and I buy the pie for you.
When other kids were playing outside, you were sitting down on the computer, starting receiving extra classes, receiving therapies. You telling me that was hard for you, but what did you do?
ANTHONY: I kept trying.
FIGUEROA: And where you are right now?
ANTHONY: I'm in eighth grade.
FIGUEROA: And?
ANTHONY: I am one of the best students.
FIGUEROA: You are the best student in the class. Anthony Gabrielle (ph), you have beautiful, beautiful heart. You overcome all the difficulties, all the obstacle in your life. I see my Anthony. I say, no, he's not a regular kid. That's right, because he trying harder than every kid that I know in my life. And I want you know that I'm really proud of you.
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MARTIN: Anthony and Jhovana Figueroa with caretaker Fatou Jaiteh in Queens, New York. Anthony is now in high school and wants to become a doctor. Their interview is archived at the Library of Congress. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
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