Life was not going well for me. I had lost my job as the supervisor of a fencing company and I was physically and emotionally drained. My bishop referred me to the Deseret Industries training program.

I wanted to go to school to become a welder. DI was willing to help me financially to achieve this goal, but my math skills needed to be significantly increased to be accepted into the program at the technical school. I couldn’t focus or remember things. I was lethargic. I felt as if I was walking in a fog all of the time. I became frustrated. Nothing was in perspective and my attitude and motivation plummeted.

Then I discovered how much the staff at Deseret Industries cares about each individual in the program. My development counselor felt that I had an underlying medical condition affecting my thinking and performance. In spite of my assuring her that there was nothing wrong, she persisted to search the internet in my behalf for answers. I was sent to a clinic where the doctor ran a blood test. The hospital tests were conclusive that I had a serious medical condition. The doctor shared with me that without treatment I would have become comatose, and perhaps died within a year.

Now, with medication, I have made significant improvement. I am so thankful. I have a new lease on life with clarity of mind and physical energy. I recently took a math course, finished early, elevating my skills five grade levels. My former employer from the fencing company has offered my job back, but I have enrolled in a welding program and will finish to increase my value in the job market.

I am so grateful for the DI training program. This program has brought me not only hope, but life.