I had enjoyed many temporary jobs, but found myself lacking direction and opportunities for permanent employment. I needed help finding a job that would be a good fit for me. My bishop and my family suggested the Deseret Industries training program. I was unsure that DI could help me find what I was looking for. To help me with this big decision, I spent some time in the temple and prayed about whether or not I should enroll in the program. I received a very clear answer and was soon packing my bags to join the program in a neighboring state.

I enjoyed my work at DI and I loved the people I worked with. I made many friends, including my job coaches and development counselors. I continued to struggle at making a career choice, but I knew that I was gaining the skills and confidence I needed to move forward when I was ready.

The time finally came for my training program to end. I didn’t want to leave the DI without a good job to go to. I then realized I was now ready to make a choice! I put on my best suit and went to talk to the manager of a large retail store about his joining with DI and me in a business partnership. This is a program where DI will pay an associate’s salary for up to three months while they receive on-the-job experience at a participating company. Deseret Industries and the store manager were more than willing to give me this opportunity. When the business partnership was over, I was hired in a permanent position as a courtesy clerk.

My time a Deseret Industries was memorable for me. This adventure has helped me to become a better person. DI will always be a beacon of hope for me.