I immigrated with my family to the United States from Lima, Peru. We first stayed with an aunt and later moved to our own home close by. After a short while, I was referred by my bishop to the Deseret Industries training program. I was assigned to the hard goods department, where I was trained as a cashier. I spoke very little English when I started, but I had a great desire to communicate. I enrolled in ESL classes and practiced my English with my co-workers and friends. English was important because it would help me get the career I desired in the medical field, so I studied hard. My English improved and within a few months I was communicating with my job coach trainer and others. It felt wonderful.

As my English improved, I began to look at opportunities to prepare for the medical career I hoped to achieve. When I heard about a certified nursing assistant program, I approached Deseret Industries about enrolling in training. My schedule was modified to allow time to attend classes and DI helped pay tuition and fees. I studied hard to complete the course and then passed the state certification examination. I was then hired to work in a health care facility close to my home. After working for a year, I returned to school and began classes that will lead a degree as a registered nurse.

I have since been called by my bishop to work with other associates at Deseret Industries as a mentor. In this calling, I am able to encourage and help others who are in similar circumstances to mine, so they too can find the success and joy that I have found.