When I came to Deseret Industries, I was placed in charge of the toy department. I was assigned a volunteer with Down syndrome to help me. It was our responsibility to maintain and keep the toy aisle safe. I have always had overwhelming social anxiety, but I found that I enjoyed working with the children and my special needs volunteer. Together we made an incredible team.

Even though I did exceptionally well with the children, I have never done very well interacting with adults. My job coach worked with me on my social skills, particularly in being able to maintain eye contact with adults. I also partnered with my job coach when I took a finance class at DI. There I learned how to set and maintain a budget and how to balance a checkbook. At first we worked together, but now I can take care of my own finances.

Deseret Industries continued to provide opportunities for me to improve my life. They partnered with other professionals to help me manage my anxieties, and helped me to establish a regular routine where I am active and happy. Because of my experience at Deseret Industries, I found I had a talent for working with children and individuals with disabilities. I now serve as a volunteer at a school for children with autism. I also volunteer at an equestrian center taking care of horses.

I still maintain regular contact with my friends at DI and they still offer me ways to better my life. I enrolled in a humanities program. It was a huge milestone when I successfully spoke at my graduation from that program!