A young Brenda, expecting her first baby
Brenda continues, "We started to settle into things and one day I had the realization that along with the other choices I was now free to make, I could also get the education that I always wanted."
With the help of the Diversity Foundation and with the help of its director, Shannon Price, Brenda enrolled in Salt Lake Community College. Soon, two of her children joined her. "Having the option, if you want it, of getting an education is huge. I think it's the number one factor that can change people's lives, because then you can become self-sufficient. It's also amazing what it can do for your self-confidence and your self-worth—you feel like, 'Hey, I did this.'"
Brenda stands proudly in front of Salt Lake Community College
Brenda is currently pursuing an associate's degree in psychology. "I don't see any way we could have done that without the
Diversity Foundation's help. They've helped pay for books, they've helped pay for tuition, and even when you have no idea what you're doing, they can point you in the right direction and tell you who to talk to and help you find the resources to, for example, help you decide what classes to take. It's just kind of an all-around resource for answers, information, emotional support, and financial support with school. And sometimes, you just need somebody to tell you 'You can do this!' They'll do that for you," says Brenda.
Looking back, Brenda can't believe how much her life has changed. "Four and a half years ago, when I left the FLDS church, I had very little education, my children had very little education, and we had very few resources. But with the help of
the Diversity Foundation, we have resources, we have help with college, I know how to write a re'sume', and there's emotional support and financial support for education. They just do amazing work. I know they're changing a lot of lives. I know they have for me."