When we lost our home in Arizona, I felt inspired to move my family to Utah. I needed a new start and wanted to finish the education I was unable to complete in earlier years. When I was 17 years old, I dropped out of high school and decided to work instead. This is a choice I have regretted, yet I never took the opportunity to go back to school.  

After arriving in Utah, I spoke to my branch president about my situation. He told me about the Deseret Industries training program at the LDS Humanitarian Center. I was accepted to participate in a part-time position, which provided me plenty of time in the afternoon and evening to pursue my goal for completing my GED.

During my job training, I was offered the opportunity to participate in a business partnership at the Utah Bishops’ Central Storehouse as a warehouse worker. At the end of the business partnership I could have been hired, but I had not yet earned my GED. I was a little discouraged, but this experience gave me an even greater desire to follow through and complete my GED. With the support of my branch president, job coach, development specialist, and a Church service missionary, I was able to finish my GED in four months.

A position came open at the LDS Humanitarian Center as a production trainer in the custodial and grounds keeping area. I applied, feeling confident that I would be a top candidate because I now had my GED and had the experience as an associate in that area at the Humanitarian Center. I was hired and now work full-time for the Church.

This great training program has changed my life. I am so happy and thankful to my Heavenly Father for giving me the opportunity to succeed in my dreams. I recommend this training program 100 percent. It worked for me and I am sure it will work for others. I am now in a position to give back and encourage other associates to pursue their dreams and accomplish their goals.