What does it take to build a meaningful future?

For Thiago Kammholtz, from Santos, Brazil, the answer began with a desire for guidance. After returning from a two-year religious mission, Thiago knew he wanted to take the next step in his life—but he also recognized that he needed mentorship to help him move forward.

“I really want mentorship for my future.”

His experience at Cumorah Academy gave him more than advice. Through leadership classes, communication training, service opportunities, and relationships with other students, Thiago discovered an important principle that could shape the rest of his life:

True success is not only about what you achieve for yourself. It is also about what you can contribute to others’ lives.

Thiago Kammholtz’s Search for Mentorship

Young adulthood can be an exciting time, but it can also bring difficult questions.

• Where do I want my life to go from here?
• Which career path aligns with my strengths and goals?
• Who do I want to become along the way?
• How can I use my talents to make a meaningful difference?

These questions can become especially important after completing a major chapter of life.

For Thiago, mentorship was one of the things he sought as he considered his future. He wanted people around him who could offer perspective, challenge him to grow, and help him make better decisions.

At Cumorah Academy, he found an environment where personal development and leadership were part of everyday life.

Reflecting on his experience, Thiago said:

“I can definitely say my experience here has been complete. Leadership classes, communication, and meeting new people.”

Mentorship can help young adults turn uncertainty into direction by giving them access to experience, perspective, and encouragement.

From Leadership to Service

One of Thiago’s most important lessons was not simply about becoming a better leader. It was about understanding what leadership should ultimately be used for.

“Something that I’ll take from here is that life is about serving others. It’s about being a giver, and not a taker. That’s how you’ll be successful in your life.”

This idea connects leadership with something much deeper: service.

A leader is not simply someone who has authority. A leader can also be someone who notices others’ needs and chooses to contribute.

Research highlighted by the American Psychological Association suggests that volunteering and acts of kindness are associated with greater happiness and lower levels of depression and loneliness, with connection to others playing an important role. 

Helping others is not only valuable for the people receiving help—it can also strengthen our own sense of connection and well-being.

Are You a Giver or a Taker?

Thiago’s lesson can be understood through a simple distinction: Givers and Takers.

A Giver constantly looks for opportunities to contribute. They ask how their skills, time, knowledge, and energy can improve someone else’s life.

A Taker, on the other hand, approaches relationships primarily by asking, “What can I get?”

Of course, everyone has moments when they need support. Being a Giver does not mean ignoring your own needs. Instead, it means developing the habit of looking beyond yourself and recognizing that your talents can benefit others.

A Giver might:

• Encourage someone who is struggling.
• Share knowledge with someone who needs it.
• Listen when another person needs to talk.
• Volunteer in the local community.
• Use creative talents to make someone feel valued.
• Help create an environment where others feel welcome.

You don’t need a title, a large audience, or a successful career to start serving others. You can begin with whatever you already have.

The Happiness That Comes From Helping Others

Thiago’s realization reflects an idea that has appeared across cultures for centuries.

An ancient Chinese aphorism, for example, connects lasting happiness with helping others:

“If you want happiness for a lifetime, help someone else.”

The principle is simple: a meaningful life is not built exclusively by collecting achievements. It is also built through relationships, contributions, and service.

How to Become a Giver Today

You don’t have to wait for the perfect opportunity to start making a difference.

Begin by asking yourself:

“How can I use my talents to help others?”

Your answer could be surprisingly simple.

• Are you a creative person? Create something meaningful for someone.
• Are you a good communicator? Encourage someone who needs confidence.
• Are you a good listener? Give someone your full attention.
• Are you organized? Help a friend or community group complete a project.

At Cumorah Academy, students have opportunities to plan and participate in service projects that benefit their communities. These experiences allow them to put leadership principles into practice while developing a greater awareness of the people around them.

Service turns personal growth into something that can positively influence the people around you.

Your Future Needs More Than a Career

Thiago came to Cumorah Academy looking for mentorship for his future. Along the way, he discovered lessons about leadership, communication, relationships, and service.

His experience offers an important reminder to young adults: your future is not only about deciding what you want to become. It is also about deciding who you want to become.

If you are searching for direction, mentorship, meaningful relationships, and opportunities to develop your potential, your next step could begin at Cumorah Academy.

Discover your purpose. Develop your potential. Learn to lead—and learn to give.

Ready to invest in your future? Apply to Cumorah Academy and join a community of young adults committed to personal growth, leadership, and service.