Forever Changed

“There are angels right here on earth, and they work at Deseret Industries.”

I lost my job of nine years when the company was bought out.  For four months, I thought about what to do now that I was unemployed. I knew my large family could not make it financially without my help. I needed to find a job as soon as possible, yet I didn’t have a high school diploma and I had no training except what my previous employer had given me. I became very depressed. My self-confidence was very low.

I asked my bishop for his advice on what to do next. He suggested I go to Deseret Industries. He explained how wonderful they are at helping people like me to not only get a job, but to also get the schooling and training I needed.

From the very first day, I knew this was the right place for me. I was placed in the small as-is department as well as the collectibles area. The job coaches were pleasant to work with and so willing to help. My personal job coach was just wonderful. He made specific goals with me, and then he helped me in any way he could to make sure that I had all the resources necessary to complete them. I soon got to know many people, not only other employees, but customers as well. Little did I know, all of these people were helping me to change my life for the better.

My first goal was to get my GED. With the resources and the encouragement from everyone at DI, I passed my test the first time. I was so excited to have finally gotten my GED! I discovered that my self-worth had skyrocketed, and that I now had the confidence to work toward another goal. The ultimate goal I had set for myself was to become a registered nurse. As a first step, I took a leap and started classes for becoming a certified nursing assistant. It was such a wonderful feeling to finally be able to go back to school, something I had wanted to do for so many years.

I was finishing my CNA classes when I received a call from my previous employer asking me to come back. It turned out that I was needed far more than they had anticipated, and they could not do without me. I finished my CNA classes and returned to my old job. I made sure they knew, that in time, I would be taking advantage of my new education and training that I had worked so hard to achieve.

I am so thankful for the opportunity and blessing I was given to be a part of the Deseret Industries training program. My life has been changed forever. I have built a stronger testimony of the Church, something I thought couldn’t get much better. I have built my self-confidence and have had the opportunity to improve myself. And now, my family consists of a whole lot more—I will forever consider everyone at the DI my family. There are angels right here on earth, and they work at Deseret Industries. Thank you all so much!

“Little did I know, all of these people were helping me to change my life for the better.”

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