In 2016, when he was still in high school, Watson was shot in the neck.
This caused a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed from the neck down.
Its been a journey; its been lots of ups and downs, he toldNBC12.
Photo: Screenshot fromInstagram
I had to learn how to eat, speak and breath on my own.
Watson had to miss his high school graduation, which he streamed from his hospital bed.
Still, he hoped to one day walk at his college graduation.
As he worked on regaining his mobility and independence, Watson also devoted himself to education.
In turn, he drew from his own story to visualize a future in which he could help others.
After going through the things that I have experienced, Ive been focused, the man said.
This inspired him to enroll at Reynolds Community College and build a career in social work.
That very passion propelled him to work on his dream.
As a testament to his dedication, he had mastered it by graduation day.
As for Watson, that magical moment was proof that anything is possible.
I did this for God, myself, friends, my family.
I mean if people only knew how I got to this point, he said.
Now, the sky is the limit for the steadfast graduate.
In life, youre going to experience ups and downs, he said.
We just have to keep going.
