In my past, I have struggled with learning and staying on task. It was through help from my lead and job coach at Deseret Industries, however, that I was able to overcome these learning disabilities. I had a great desire to prove myself, so when there was an opportunity, I went to my job coach and told her I was interested in becoming the lead. To more fully prepare for this position, she gave me the assignment of teaching the associates in my area about having a strong work ethic and how to successfully complete tasks. I worked with each associate on specific tasks they were struggling with. I also worked on the necessary benchmarks to qualify for a business partnership. When I completed the benchmarks, I was made the lead in my area.

With this experience, I was then qualified to accept a business partnership at Deseret Meat Company. Over the next six weeks, I had the opportunity to work in various departments. I was certified on the electronic pallet jack. I also learned how to process meat and how to ship it.   

When I came back to Deseret Industries, I continued to learn and prove myself.  My job coach challenged me to become better in all assigned areas by managing priorities and completing tasks by the end of each work day. I worked as a cashier and performed whatever duties were assigned to me. While assigned to electronics and large as is, I improved our sales by teaching the associates in my area how to check for quality, safety, and price before moving items to the sales floor. Eventually, I was transferred to the Advanced Placement Program. The employment center was able to help me find a good paying job as a forklift operator.

I would like to thank everyone in at Deseret Industries for teaching me the skills that helped me qualify for my job today.