As a teenager I was diagnosed with severe depression and social anxiety. Having suffered for more than 15 years, I had completely retreated from life and was in the deepest despair. I was in total darkness and felt like there was no place for me out in the world. The Lord, however, would not let me hide. When my mother became friends with the manager of our local Deseret Industries, she told him of my struggles. Without hesitation, he told her they wanted me to come and work at DI. It took me a year just to get the confidence and strength to walk through the door.

Deseret Industries is an inspired program, where each associate can develop and achieve their true potential. The wonderful staff and job coach trainers never once questioned my worth. They went to work to help me see myself as a child of God. It was rough at first, but a change did come. Weekly, I set goals that would help me overcome my social phobia. As I worked on the sales floor assisting people, I came to realize that I love people.

Miracles occur at the Deseret Industries on a regular basis. I know this because it happened to me. I made tremendous progress while at DI, so much so that I was offered two business partnerships. DI paid for me to work at a local electronics store so I could receive on-the-job experience. I did deliveries, performed installs, and made service calls. This was a wonderful opportunity to use my passion for technology and develop my people skills. I was then offered a second partnership working with special needs clients. I provided an assortment of services from independent livings skills to life skills. This was the most humbling and amazing experience of my life. It expanded my ability to love and to show compassion and patience for my fellow man. I learned to listen to the Spirit and set my own personal weaknesses and fears aside as I cared for them. I was offered a permanent position working with these choice sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father.

Deseret Industries gave me opportunities for growth that otherwise would have been impossible to receive. I know with all of my heart that overcoming any challenge is possible with the help of our Heavenly Father. It may not happen overnight, and it might not be the first time you try, but the key is to never give up. With help from Deseret Industries I came out of the darkness and into the light.