By John Good
I graduated from Kennedy Krieger High School in 2018, and from Project SEARCH at Kennedy Krieger Institute in 2021. Project SEARCH taught me how to focus on myself and learn independent skills. My Project SEARCH internship was with Kennedy Krieger’s Marketing and Communications Department.
During my internship, I developed two podcast series, “The Good Intern Show” and the “Life with Disabilities” show. I learned about interviewing people, making storyboards, typing scripts, and editing and finalizing the episodes. I interviewed several people, including Dr. Bradley Schlaggar, Kennedy Krieger’s president and CEO, and Maureen van Stone, director of the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities at Kennedy Krieger. I also interviewed my friend Tyler, and we talked about life with autism. “The Good Intern Show” was the longest project I’ve ever created.
When I was younger, I was afraid of loud noises. For a long time, I wore headphones or ear plugs all the time. It’s gotten better over the years, but it’s something many people with autism go through.
At Kennedy Krieger High School, I attended the information technology class, and I learned about typing. I also did some volunteering, including at Ronald McDonald House Charities Maryland, in Baltimore near Kennedy Krieger, where I sanitized guest rooms and toys. Some of Kennedy Krieger’s patients and their families stay at the Ronald McDonald House while receiving medical care in Baltimore.
“Maybe one day, I could have a brand-new TV channel called ‘Game Show Masterpiece’ that is dedicated to classic game shows.” – John Good
I’ve been very interested in game shows since I was a kid. I am looking forward to one day living independently with my brother and working on game shows. Maybe one day, I could have a brand-new TV channel called “Game Show Masterpiece” that is dedicated to classic game shows, such as “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” which is one of the best classic game shows. Or maybe I could host “It’s Academic,” a local, long-running quiz game show featuring high school contestants.
I live with my family, and I like cooking. I cook spaghetti and chicken, and I bake cookies and pizza. My advice to other young people my age is to stay focused and be kind.
Podcast Links
Learn more about John Good, Kennedy Krieger and life with autism spectrum disorder by listening to Good’s podcasts:
“The Good Intern Show”
Episode 1
Episodes 2–5
“Life with Disabilities”
All episodes
