Throughout college, I knew exactly what I wanted—to be a teacher. During two years of teaching, it gradually became clear to me that teaching was not right for me. I was devastated. I had let myself down and I wasn’t going to let myself forget it either. I was very down on myself and had little self-confidence. I was emotionally broken when I was referred to the Deseret Industries training program.

After only two short months at DI, I was asked to be a lead-in-training, and then a lead associate. My job coach and store manager must have seen something I did not see in myself, because I was given the responsibility to lead 16 to 19 people. At first I felt so overwhelmed by this opportunity. I didn’t think I was the right person for the job. I was over people who had worked there longer than I had. Then, I started to get a few ideas. At first, I wasn’t about to make suggestions or move something around because I thought it would be more convenient for the customers. However, once I was able to get used to the idea that I had been placed in this position of authority because of their trust in me, I became brave enough to start making suggestions. To my shock, my suggestions were heard! If an idea was turned down, I didn’t feel like a fool for suggesting it. I was in a safe environment where ideas were heard.

During a meeting with my job coach, I was given an assignment to list five positive things about myself. I didn’t have enough faith in myself to do this assignment. I put it off for months. The job coaches decided to help me by finding words to describe me.

“Becky is dedicated.”

I thought, “What? I am dedicated?” I was shocked that this and many other amazing qualities were said about me. After a while, I was able to see what my job coach saw all along. I began to realize that I am dedicated. I will work on a project until it is done. If it doesn’t get done, I feel I let everyone down. This is one of many things I needed to be reminded of during my time at Deseret Industries. I was able to finish this assignment. I now know that I am a dedicated, caring, adaptable, honest, and creative woman. I am so glad I started working at Deseret Industries. DI was my unexpected salvation.