With my husband having lost his semi-truck in an accident and in recovery from back surgery, I needed to find a job where I could help support our family. I enjoyed the job I had, but there was little chance for me to move up. In talking over our situation with my bishop, he told me about the training program at Deseret Industries.

At DI, I was assigned wonderful people to guide me through the program. A development counselor helped me decide on the direction I wanted to go with my career. After we had discussed my likes and dislikes, strengths and weakness, I made the decision to pursue a career in the medical field. He then helped me set goals, both personally and professionally, that would help me become a registered nurse. I also had an awesome job coach who helped me study for my exams, and helped me move from being a shy, quiet, average individual to a confident person who can train and lead others. Then there was my mentor, who, through weekly visits, held me accountable for my goals. She was another ear of support and advice during this transition.

The Deseret Industries program has changed my life for the better. I am now able to present myself as a positive and worthwhile person, who is able to speak with all types of people. I have also been taught how to handle responsibility and how to lead others, both by word and by example. Without this opportunity I probably would be stuck in a place that I would not like or want to be. It has provided me with the skills I need to get a full-time job that I love and enjoy. It has helped me become a better person.