I am in a welding program in college and maintaining a 4.0 grade point average, something I thought I would never be able to do. This opportunity came to me because of the support and encouragement I received from Deseret Industries. 

Before I started at DI, I was just another high school drop-out who had made too many poor decisions. I wanted to start living instead of just surviving.  I took a major step toward this goal when I moved, leaving all of my old friends behind, to live with my sister. I had a hard time finding work, so I determined that the best way to be taken seriously was to finish my schooling.

One of the new friends I made since moving was participating in the training program at Deseret Industries. He told me to go to the bishop for a recommendation, so I went and talked with him. When the bishop asked me what I wanted to gain from an experience at DI, I told him I needed help to complete my GED and then help toward earning an applied associate’s degree. I figured I could get the financial help that I needed from the program and that would be it. I was wrong! Deseret Industries offers so much more than that.

I have been working to reach my long term goals by following my development steps and results. I have learned merchandising, including facing. I have learned what employers are looking for in an employee, such as being a self-starter, being willing to learn new ideas, and being reliable. At DI you are taught the right way to handle yourself, so that you not only can get a good job, but keep it. I also started the GED prep classes and three months later received my high school completion diploma, receiving a score of 100% on the science portion of the test! I was next offered the opportunity to work in a business partnership where I learned how to install lift kits on vehicles. There I learned that paying attention to detail is what makes the difference between being considered a good employee who will be held on to and one that an employer will not keep. When my time in the business partnership was over, my supervisors were pleased, giving me a thank you card and gift  certificate. They also told DI they would definitely participate in another partnership experience. When I returned to Deseret Industries, I was asked to take the training course for potential leads. It is an honor to be thought of as someone deserving of it.

I am now working towards my goal of an applied associate’s degree. I am so thankful for Deseret Industries—everyone one at DI really cares and wants to help.