My Mentor—A Big Part of My Success

“I now have a job and a purpose to wake up and to go forward.”

Being unemployed was hard, and my self-esteem was taking a huge hit the longer I couldn’t find a new job.

Nate, who the bishop had asked to mentor and help me, met with me to discuss some options. We talked about how I needed some new skills so I could go in a new direction, possibly by completing a commercial driver’s license (CDL) program. Nate suggested that I meet with a development counselor at Deseret Industries (DI).

I took his suggestion and went to DI. The development counselor talked with me about what I had done in the past and what I wanted to do in the future. I told her that I wanted to become more active and busy. I was kind of depressed after looking for a job for so long and not finding anything. I told her that I wanted to build my confidence—to start with a clean slate—and that I was thinking about getting a CDL. She suggested that I would be a good candidate for the DI training program, where I could get back into the habit of working every day and have the chance to explore options for a new career.

After meeting with her, I felt that I had taken a step in the right direction, toward a fresh start. She gave me a test that showed getting a CDL was a good career choice for me. I was excited to have a plan and to get moving.

My job coaches helped me adapt to this new environment and my new co-workers. The team that I worked with was friendly and made me feel at home. I discovered that working at the DI increased my confidence and helped me to feel good about myself again. Other than having to learn to adjust to the new job, I don’t remember having problems with anyone or anything. It’s hard to describe my feelings about DI. I can only say that overall, it was a good experience.

My mentor, Nate, continued to work with me and encourage me as I went through the process of going from unemployed to employed at DI. He was there for me as I worked toward completing CDL training and then finding a good job. He met with me at DI with my job coach and development counselor as well as outside of work. He is a big part of my success.

I now have a job and a purpose to wake up and to go forward. The job I have is much better than I thought it would or could be. I would definitely recommend the DI training program to others. If I can do it, anybody can.

 

 

“My mentor, Nate, continued to work with me and encourage me as I went through the process of going from unemployed to employed.”

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