"All of my life I’ve been told that I am dumb and stupid, and that I would never amount to anything. But look—I am not dumb! I have my CNA certificate!” These are the words I used to tell a group of fellow associates at Deseret Industries about my amazing accomplishment. It was a long and difficult process.

A job search led me to a referral from my bishop to the LDS Employment Center and the Deseret Industries training program. I began on the sales floor and soon began training as a cashier. I was assigned a development specialist, who helped me determine my capabilities and interests. That was when I decided I would enjoy training as a certified nursing assistant.

Deseret Industries enrolled me in a CNA program, where I could continue to work while I was learning. It was hard, but I was able to finish the program and pass my clinicals to become certified. The associate manager of the LDS Employment Center introduced me to the executive director of a senior living center. I was then offered to participate in a business partnership at the center, where DI offered to pay my salary so that I could receive valuable experience. At the end of the partnership, I was offered a job. 

I will not forget the standing ovation my fellow associates gave me when I first told them of my accomplishment. I knew I had earned it. The result of all the hard work is that now I have a terrific job doing something I am not only qualified to do, but something I enjoy doing.