Most of the associates at Deseret Industries are looking to change their careers or are seeking vocational training that will allow them to find work. My experience was different, because I was not necessarily looking for either of those things while in the program. I had just returned home from serving a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and was simply looking for employment while I attended college. I have a goal to one day become a college professor, but I first needed to complete my bachelor’s degree. My time at Deseret Industries made this possible. Their willingness to be flexible and to work around my school schedule was a great blessing.

When I began working at Deseret Industries, I was not fully aware of what the program had to offer. I was given leadership opportunities that allowed me to grow as an individual, and I learned invaluable life lessons from working with a very diverse group of people that possess a wide variety of strengths and weaknesses. Lives were changed for the better as skills were developed and new habits reinforced. It was a fulfilling experience to be a part of their lives and to help them along their way. Even though not everyone succeeded in catching the vision of Deseret Industries, those that did made my stay there well worth it.

I am appreciative of the experiences that Desert Industries offered me and know that the skills I learned there will stay with me for the remainder of my life.