I had recently moved into a new house, yet I still felt like a prisoner to my demons.  I recognized that I needed to do something with my life.  Even though I had not been an active Church member, I made contact with my bishop.  From this meeting, I was sent on the path to wellness.  This path was through the doors of the local Deseret Industries store.

Making the most of the DI experience was an external expression of an inward commitment to the promises I had made to myself to get better.  I applied myself in every aspect of my work, and soon found myself ascending the ranks of responsibility and management. 

I discovered that Deseret Industries was something more than just a regular “second-hand store.”   DI was a place that offered the positive reinforcement I needed to change my life, a bastion of support and hope.  The DI was a place that believed in me, even when I had lost hope in myself.

The years have passed on, with many struggles and successes come and gone.  One thing will remain forever in my heart, “The DI will always be a haven of hope and a symbol of redemption for me and my journey through life.”  

I have moved forward toward a bright future, having graduated with an associate’s degree in aircraft maintenance technology.