My family came to the United States as political refugees.  In our home country, my deceased husband had been a cabinet member of an overthrown political party.  The World Peace Organization arranged for my two sons to attend the University of Utah; however, finding suitable employment for me was a challenge.  I am a professional hair stylist, but my license was not recognized in the United States. I wanted to continue as a hair stylist, yet the approximately $16,000 tuition to obtain a license was well outside of my family’s resources.  Having arrived with only the clothes on our backs, I soon accepted the reality that I needed a new career.

Two years after arriving in the United States, I was enrolled in the Deseret Industries training program. I have been so grateful for this opportunity. To show my appreciation, I have worked hard to prove myself and had almost perfect attendance. I then asked to learn to cashier so that I would have one more marketable skill. 

The job training I received at DI helped me to learn job skills and gave me time to sharpen my English. I also learned how to put together a professional resume and make a good impression in a job interview. When I interviewed for a customer service position at a large department store, the HR person expressed that she was “charmed” by my smile and impressed by my preparation and commitment to work hard. I was hired on the spot.