Finding Success and Joy

“I have since been called by my bishop to work with other associates at Deseret Industries as a mentor.”

I immigrated with my family to the United States from Lima, Peru. We first stayed with an aunt and later moved to our own home close by. After a short while, I was referred by my bishop to the Deseret Industries training program. I was assigned to the hard goods department, where I was trained as a cashier. I spoke very little English when I started, but I had a great desire to communicate. I enrolled in ESL classes and practiced my English with my co-workers and friends. English was important because it would help me get the career I desired in the medical field, so I studied hard. My English improved and within a few months I was communicating with my job coach trainer and others. It felt wonderful.

As my English improved, I began to look at opportunities to prepare for the medical career I hoped to achieve. When I heard about a certified nursing assistant program, I approached Deseret Industries about enrolling in training. My schedule was modified to allow time to attend classes and DI helped pay tuition and fees. I studied hard to complete the course and then passed the state certification examination. I was then hired to work in a health care facility close to my home. After working for a year, I returned to school and began classes that will lead a degree as a registered nurse.

I have since been called by my bishop to work with other associates at Deseret Industries as a mentor. In this calling, I am able to encourage and help others who are in similar circumstances to mine, so they too can find the success and joy that I have found. 

“My schedule was modified to allow time to attend classes and DI helped pay tuition and fees.”

For more amazing stories like Hether’s, visit the DI’s Facebook page by clicking here.