When I began the Deseret Industries training program, I wanted to find work in the food service industry. This led me to transfer to the LDS Humanitarian Center where I could train in the center’s cafeteria. Within the first eight months of my training, I was certified as a dishwasher, a laundry worker, a dining room attendant, and a prep cook. While all of this training was happening, DI arranged for me to take classes in math, reading, and writing so that I could work with food ordering.

Through a business partnership, I was given the opportunity to practice my new skills at a local business. The DI paid my wages for five weeks at a local deli. There I used my new skills serving customers, operating the cash register, preparing food, dishwashing, and ordering inventory. My supervisor gave me very positive reports each week; however, I decided that I really didn’t want to work in the food service industry.

I returned to the training program and, together with the help of my mentor and a family friend, I was given the opportunity for a second try at a business partnership. This one lasted for four weeks. It was at a dog daycare and boarding facility. I found that I really enjoyed working with the dogs. I was hired!