I was born in Somalia. At age 12, I moved to Egypt to live with my aunt and to go to school. My aunt, her children, and I desired to go to America. We submitted our applications. While waiting, I attended school. Eight years later, when I was 20, our visas came through. We flew to New York, then to Dallas, and finally arrived in Utah. I came through Catholic Community Services, who then referred me to the Asian Association of Utah. Six months later I began work at the LDS Humanitarian Center (LDSHC).

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides relief and development projects for humanitarian purposes all over the world. Donations of clothing and shoes not sold in DI stores are sorted and prepared for shipment at the LDSHC, which is part of the Deseret Industries program. I started as a clothing sorter, became forklift certified, then worked as a quality checker. When there was an opening, I became a forklift driver in the clothing sort.

At LDSHC there are on-site English classes, so I was able to continue my English studies. I also learned computer, receptionist, and filing skills and took the job skills class to prepare for a future job.

I love my job now. I am employed at the warehouse where I first began as an order picker. I am now using my skills working in the shipping department.

I am looking forward to a future where I can further my education by becoming a pharmacy technician. My long-term goal is to become a doctor and help others.