“What I hope to do in the future is get a job of any kind in order to pay off my college funds because, believe me, I’m trying to study for arts classes,” said Max Hernandez. “My main goal is to become an art teacher.”
Right now, Max is building the skills to get there at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento with Project SEARCH. Max is currently interning in the hospital’s discharge reception area.
“I escort the patients outside and put them safely in their Ubers or their personal, private cars,” Max said.
Project SEARCH, run locally by Best Buddies, gives hands-on experience to young adults in real workplaces. Interns spend part of their day in the classroom and part on the job.
Max has been in the program for about eight months and is now on his third rotation. Each new role has supported him to build skills and confidence.
He is learning how to search for jobs, fill out applications, and prepare for interviews. He is also gaining workplace skills like communication, organization, and time management.
“It’s just amazing to see all the things that he is able to access,” said his mother, Maribel Hernandez. Max asked us to interview her for this story. “For any people with a disability, it is very important to be in real work, have that real experience. That’s what this program is doing.”
Max says the experience is helping him understand what it takes to succeed at work.
“You need to practice on your awareness, timing and proper organization,” he said.
Project SEARCH program supervisor, Michelle Gentry, sees that growth every day.
“He’s very focused,” said Michelle. “He takes the internship really seriously.”
For Max, Project SEARCH and UC Davis Medical Center are bringing him closer to a future where he can share his love of art with students someday.
“Art has a way of connecting you to your own personality or your own traits,” said Max.
Stories like Max’s remind us that there is no one path forward toward meeting our own goals. People with autism bring different strengths, interests, and ideas to their communities. With the right opportunities, each person can explore those strengths and build a future that reflects who they are.
Don’t miss these additional stories and resources we shared this month!
- Let’s talk about autism – beyond the myths via YouTube
- Sarah Howard helps create safe spaces for connection via Instagram
- Call or email the Autism Helpline today via Facebook