WORCESTER, Mass. - Nyasia Wright and Brian Cristobal are both graduating seniors at Willie Ross School for the Deaf in Longmeadow. As they look back on their time, both students said they are prepared for their future because of the education they have received. 

"I was born deaf,” Wright said. “And me growing up, I depend on speech therapy. So everyone says that I speak so clear. So if I went to public school, I don't think I would be able to talk or be able to understand English.”

Cristobal started attending Willie Ross in 2009 and said he benefitted from having staff that could communicate with him through sign language.

"When I was in the public schools, I didn't have any interpreting services or any services in sign language, so learning visually is a lot easier for me so I can focus on my learning that is available here," said Cristobal. "They've made it pretty easy for me because communication is fully accessible everywhere."

Both Cristobal and Wright plan to attend Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. in the fall. Wright plants to study special education with plans to eventually become a middle school teacher. 

"I have been wanting to become a teacher since I was young, like 9. Because I love teaching kids and I love helping kids out with their homework and stuff," said Wright.

Cristobal said he wants to study physical education or coaching. He said continuing his education was especially important for his family.

"I am able to graduate and I'm going to be the first child in my family that goes off to college," said Cristobal.

Graduation is set for Friday, June 11.