Willing to Work Hard

“I learned first-hand from my father how to work hard for everything.”

I was born and raised in Ha’alaufuli, Vava’u, Tonga, a remote island situated in the South Pacific. Tonga is considered a third world country as it is one of the poorest countries in the world. My family, like many others in Tonga, lived in a hut with coconut leaves on the roof and no walls.  Most days we had no food, but we were determined to survive.  I learned first-hand from my father how to work hard for everything. The missionaries taught me the gospel and I was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I eventually immigrated to the United States.

I was referred by my bishop for job skills training at Deseret Industries. I worked as a team leader while at DI and was able to obtain my contractor’s license. I also participated in a business partnership where I worked as a janitor.  With Deseret Industries' assistance, I found a part-time job working as a janitor until more opportunities arose to start my own company.

The Lord’s blessings have poured down upon me and my family. I appreciate everything that DI has done for us.

“I worked as a team leader while at DI and was able to obtain my contractor’s license.”

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