I was fresh out of high school and had just begun looking for my first job. Having no work experience made it tough. My bishop recommended I interview at Deseret Industries (DI) to become an associate in their training program. I had been a volunteer at DI but had never thought about working there. All I could think was “Really?” I took the recommendation from my bishop and went for an interview. From that point on, I knew it was a great decision.

During one of my weekly interviews with my job coach, I was offered an opportunity to be a lead associate. I looked at her with such confusion and asked, “Me, really? You have got to be joking!” She replied, “Yes, I believe you can do it!” Her confidence in me helped me to realize that maybe I could do it and succeed. With this new position, I trained in many departments and was responsible for assisting in the training of other associates. I learned so much, and my confidence grew. Still, when the time came for me to work toward moving from DI and out into a new job, I cried. However, I knew it was time to move on and that I was ready to step out into the world.

I was accepted into the Advanced Placement Program at DI, in which I could learn and practice my job search skills and receive counsel throughout the process. By the end of my fourth week, I was very discouraged. I had very few calls for interviews. DI then offered to place me in a business partnership. This was to be a 30-day internship type of program in which DI would pay my salary while I worked at a local business. I would be doing clerical work in a field that matched my interest in teaching and child development. It was perfect.

When my business partnership was coming to an end, I received an email offering me a job as an administrative assistant with one of the businesses I had interviewed with during my placement program. I was so thankful to my Heavenly Father. I know He really does have a plan for each of us.

I was helped so much in so many different ways through my experience at DI. I was not only offered opportunities to gain new skills and experience, but I was given guidance to enter the “real world.” This guidance helped me become the person I am today, confident and capable. DI helped to strengthen my testimony too. Through our weekly devotionals and the examples of good people, I learned that there are people out there with the Light of Christ. I am pleased and humbled to say, “Thank you, Deseret Industries. I couldn’t have done it without you!”