I received my attendance diploma from Van Meter High School in Van Meter, IA, in May 2009. That fall, I returned to Van Meter High School. My teacher was trying to find different skills for me, and she found out about the retail training program at Goodwill Industries® of Central Iowa.

While going to the retail training class, I was working at Casey’s in Van Meter, then at Hy-Vee in West Des Moines, IA. Both of these jobs were just for credit, and no pay. I wanted a job with pay, because I wanted to be more independent and responsible.

I graduated from the Goodwill® retail training program in December 2009 and, with the help of my Goodwill coaches and trainers, I was hired by Walgreens in January 2010.

Thanks to my training at Goodwill, this past January 2011 was my first anniversary at Walgreens. I used to work three days a week, and I asked if I could get more hours. I now work five days a week. .

I have learned a lot in the last year. I feel very useful, independent, more responsible and I enjoy making my own money.