Patrick McGoldrick

“I never thought I could have a wonderful life. But now I realize I can and want to help others get one too. If I could have a wonderful life, why not other people with disabilities?”

Aloha, my name Patrick McGoldrick and I have Autism. I went to Kula Elementary until the 5th grade. After I graduated, I would spend most of my time doing homeschool, drawing or playing videogames. I thought this was going to be my life. That was before I became a member of Best Buddies in 2007.

Best Buddies Ambassador I joined Best Buddies, an organization that creates friendships. In 2013, I became a Best Buddies Ambassador for Maui. I went to the Best Buddies Leadership Conference in Indiana to learn how to speak in front of a live audience. After my first speech, I wanted to speak about Best Buddies at other events. I spoke at a few high schools and agencies. Each time I did a speech, it boosted my self-confidence because I was helping others learn how to make friends.

Feeling Safe Being Safe Trainer In 2017, I wanted to have a job. I decided to become a trainer for Feeling Safe Being Safe, a program that teaches people how to be prepared in an emergency. I’ve helped over 100 people on Maui, Molokai, Oahu and the Big Island. During trainings, I teach my audience tips on how to talk to their neighbors and loved ones. I offer advice on how to make an emergency kit. I even help them fill out their magnet and worksheet. Not only that, but I have trained people to become trainers. Because of my hard work, people compliment me on my trainings and tell me I have a wonderful personality. During hurricane season, the people who attended my trainings are now prepared.

College Student at Maui UHMC Two years ago, I started going to college. At first, I never thought that I would have the opportunity to go to college. I thought I had to get a high school diploma first, but I was wrong. It all started when I went to a book fair at King K. I was doing a booth to try to get Feeling Safe Being Safe Trainings on Maui. During the book fair, I found the booth for Maui College. I asked the person if you need a diploma in order to go to college. As it turns out, people who don’t have a diploma can go to college. I decided to give it a try, and I am proud of my decision. Now I love going to college. My first class was a communication class. I also took two English classes, which has improved my writing. My classes helped prepare me for my job and presentations.

Thanks to Best Buddies, Feeling Being Safe, and College for helping me to be who I am today, a generous hard worker, I try to help people who need it while showing respect for decisions they make.