I had dreamed of practicing law ever since I was a young girl and had worked hard to graduate from law school and pass the state bar exam. When I finished my education, however, the legal market had declined and law firms were not hiring. Self-doubt and depression soon set in. I found it extremely difficult to remain positive when there seemed to be “no light at the end of the tunnel.”

My bishop had attended a leadership training meeting where he learned of the business partnership program at Deseret Industries. This is a program where DI teams with local businesses by paying associate’s salaries for several weeks. He was so excited to tell me about it and how certain he felt that this was the answer to our prayers.

My first assignment at DI was in clothing processing. From there I was transferred to the sales floor, and then to be a cashier. My experience taught me how to be patient with a wide variety of people from diverse backgrounds. Through supervisory training, I also learned valuable leadership skills that I will use all of my life.

My job coach believed in me from the start and helped me to believe in myself. She began networking in my behalf right away. Soon, I was interviewing with attorneys in my area to join in a business partnership. This was the opportunity I needed to open the door and prove myself. I am now a practicing attorney in a respected law firm. This opportunity came to me as a result of hard work and the gift of a referral to the Deseret Industries training program.