I was worn out and had just quit my job doing physically demanding production work, when Deseret Industries called and asked if I could come in two days. I gladly said, “Yes!” My health was very fragile and I was also emotionally worn out. At this time I was suffering from a long list of serious health problems and I was in the process of divorcing my husband. I was very sad, worn-out, and down-trodden, and I needed a safe place to heal. I had worked at DI ten years before, so I knew Deseret Industries was this place.

I began by taking baby steps while focusing on three main goals: improving my health, staying positive, and being grateful. I still have these same goals and they seem to be the key to my success in life and in maintaining a job. I focused on these goals throughout my one and half years at DI, including my first assignment in the laundry, sorting clothes. I worked my way from the laundry to hanging, to sizing, and eventually to pricing. While pricing clothes, I realized I would like to be a cashier. To get ready for this position, I practiced counting change, memorized codes, and learned the intercom language. I didn’t go straight to cashiering, but first worked putting away clothes in the women’s section for two weeks until I was comfortable with the sales floor. I then had the confidence that I could cashier. I was at first scared to death of cashiering, but knew from past experience sizing and pricing clothes, that I could learn new skills. Once I moved to the cash register, I got better and better at counting and balancing my drawer.

Because I was approaching the end of my time at DI, I received help in putting together my resume and job searching while at work. This greatly increased my chances for finding a better job. I found one that fit my physical needs and fit my schedule so that I could be with my children. I pursued it with all of my heart. I wrote several powerful statements at home and practiced my interview skills at the LDS Employment Center. The position was a life-skills aide for those with disabilities. I had worked previously in this field at a local high school. My job coaches were impressed, so a business partnership was set up to help me achieve my goal. After three months, I was offered a full-time position.

I am so thankful that Deseret Industries saw what I could become, not what I started out as. My job coaches always supported me in my personal goals and pushed me to set higher ones. I am thankful for a very loving and caring environment.