I had gone a year and a half without employment. This took a toll on my self-esteem and I was worried about how I would ever provide for my children. I was a single mother of two children and some mistakes from my past were making finding a job much more difficult.

I began at Deseret Industries as a cashier, where I learned the importance of budgeting and finance at the sales register, maintaining good customer service, and prioritizing the merchandise for quick resale. I quickly became the lead associate, which gave me the opportunity to train others and in turned increased my self-esteem. I received off-site training in a business partnership at a nearby recycling company, where I performed different responsibilities from maintenance to housekeeping.

My journey through working with DI has also helped me grow spiritually. I was not active in the Church for years before I started working at the DI, but this has helped me see how much my Heavenly Father takes part in my personal happiness. I have once again gained a testimony of the important things in life, like the joys of my family, how to become self-reliant, and overcoming my past through  service. I found out for myself just how much happier I truly can be by living the commandments. In trying to run away from my problems, I had caused myself heartache and pain. But from working through them,  I have become a better example for my children and a much happier person.

Although there have been many times when I just wanted to quit, there was always a support group of mentors, associates, and Church leaders who helped me  stay strong. This has been an experience I would never want to change. I have grown into a better person and have gained many experiences that I will remember for the rest of my life.

I am very thankful for the opportunity to have been a part of this program, and I could only hope that it will continue on as long as possible so that others may have this unforgettable character-building experience.