I started in the prison system when I was 18, serving at different times for various offenses. My dependence on alcohol fueled my poor choices.

I had just been released after a nine-month stretch when I first came to Deseret Industries (DI). I worked hard while at work, but I was still struggling with my addiction. I had a serious relapse and was sent back to jail for a six-month stretch for a DUI. This was when I hit my lowest point, my rock bottom. Sitting in that jail, I felt so bad that I had disappointed everyone. I was determined that if I had another chance, I would turn my life around.

The judge saw something worth saving in me and released me to the community to return to work at DI. I wanted to prove that I was worthy of this trust by working hard wherever I was assigned. I began attending support groups. I stayed focused on my future and didn’t dwell on the past.

My training at DI included dock work and forklift training. I also learned responsibility and customer service. These skills helped prepare me for my new job at a lumber company. DI helped me with an awesome résumé. I worked for the lumber company for nine months until they lost some important contracts and had to lay me off. I was doing great there and had a flawless record. They were sorry to have had to lay me off. It hit me pretty hard to lose that job. I had just gotten engaged and was worried about finances. My hard work paid off when I found another job just two weeks later. I am now an apprentice, being taught how to set tile. The wages are very good, and I have the opportunity to enter a new trade. I feel like I am in a good place with a promising future.

I am thankful for the second chance I was given. I feel like I have done a complete 180 in my life.