I was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when I was eight years old, but was inactive throughout my teenage years. At 14, I was introduced to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and gang activity. What followed were periods of homelessness and hunger, where I found myself begging for food. When I was 17 and 18, I ran away with the carnival. The only religious experience I had was when we had prayer before setting up the tents.

This lifestyle continued until I made a decision to break this chain of poverty and self-destruction. One of the changes I made was my decision to go back to church. With help from the missionaries and support from my ward and my family, I returned to prayer and listening to the Holy Ghost as my guide. I began to realize the blessings of repentance in my life and the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. My Heavenly Father and my Savior let me know of the love that they have for me and my family.

My bishop referred me to the Deseret Industries training program. My first assignment was on the sales floor, helping merchandise, organize, and sell small donated household items and collectibles. After three months, I was asked to manage and lead the custodial team. To fill this assignment, I took a supervisor class and completed various training tasks. From this experience, I learned how to manage others and myself.

From my training at DI, I now have a future filled with hope and possibilities. My next step, however, will be to walk into the temple of the Lord with my wife and children to be sealed for all time and eternity.