At Cumorah Academy, I expected to learn marketing and content creation. Instead, I discovered Christlike leadership, genuine networking, confidence, service, and the power of putting Jesus and others first.
When I first arrived at Cumorah Academy, I thought the most valuable lessons would be about social media strategy, content creation, branding, and marketing. And while I’ve learned all of those things, the lessons that have changed me the most have had nothing to do with algorithms or engagement rates.
They have had everything to do with people.
Learning to Put Jesus, Others, and You First
One principle that has deeply impacted me on my mission, and I got to remember here, is the idea of focusing on JOY: Jesus, Others, You.
The more I apply this principle, the happier I become. I came to Cumorah Academy hoping to grow professionally, but I now realize my greatest goal is much deeper. I want to leave with eternal friendships, mentors, and a stronger desire to become a better disciple of Jesus Christ.
I’ve learned that true success in both personal and professional life comes from choosing to be Christlike.
Networking Is Really About Loving People
Before coming here, I viewed networking as something professional: building connections, opportunities, and career growth.
Now, I see networking differently.
Networking is really about growing your family.
One of the biggest lessons I learned during our networking challenges was simple: be genuinely interested in people. Ask questions. Listen carefully. Make others feel seen and valued.
Instead of asking, “What can this person do for me?” I started asking:
- What is important to them?
- How can I help them?
- What’s something kind I can do for them?
The strongest relationships are built when we serve without expecting anything in return.
Ironically, the more I focused less on myself and more on others, the more confidence I gained.
The Power of Listening
Another lesson that surprised me was learning how important listening truly is.
At Cumorah Academy, I discovered that communication is about speaking well. It is about listening with love, patience, and sincerity. This is when I have actually gotten to build real relationships.
The more I listened to others share their experiences, struggles, and testimonies, the easier it became to recognize the Spirit and learn from the people around me. The easier it is to have stories that they can share with the world, the more stories they share, the more willing they are to help with social media.
People are more important than schedules. More important than perfection. More important than appearances.
Sometimes the most meaningful thing we can offer someone is simply our attention.
Becoming the Best For the World
One statement from a lesson that the Managing Directors during our Staff Training stayed in my heart:
“Do not try to be the best in the world. Be the best for the world, or for someone’s world.”
That changed the way I see leadership.
Christlike leadership is not about status, recognition, or being perfect. It is about being willing. Willing to serve, willing to grow, willing to love people even when it is inconvenient.
I’ve learned that fear fades when faith in Jesus Christ grows stronger. We do not need to have everything figured out. We just need to be willing to move forward with Him.
What I Will Take With Me
Of course, I will leave Cumorah Academy with marketing experience, content creation skills of real stories from real people that come from different backgrounds, and professional knowledge.
But the things I will treasure most are the relationships, the spiritual lessons, and the reminder that happiness comes from thinking less about us and more about serving others. Also, the stories of conversion and willingness to speak up about their faith and the miracles they have witnessed.
The most valuable thing I’ve learned here has nothing to do with marketing.
It has everything to do with becoming more like Jesus Christ.
I am 100% sure that true success in both personal and professional life comes from choosing to be Christlike.
At Cumorah Academy, we are learning that success is not only about building careers, but about building people. If you would like to continue hearing stories of faith, growth, leadership, and real experiences from students around the world, we invite you to follow our blog and social media channels. We would love for you to be part of this journey with us.
Written by Maja Corales
