A strong future begins with the right foundation.
At Cumorah Academy, these skills are at the heart of the Leadership and Personal Development Program, where students discover their potential and develop the principles they need to become responsible leaders.
But what does this experience look like from a student’s perspective?
Victor Mendez, a student from Brazil, shares his experience at Cumorah Academy and explains how the program has influenced his personal growth, leadership skills, and relationship with God.
Building a Foundation for Future Leadership
The Leadership and Personal Development Program provides students with practical lessons and timeless principles they can apply throughout their lives.
Classes cover essential topics such as communication, time management, leadership styles, and personal responsibility. Students also learn how to develop their vision, express their ideas with confidence, and become more intentional about their decisions.
Public speaking is another important part of the experience. Students practice communicating clearly, organizing their thoughts, and speaking in front of others. These skills help them become more confident in academic, professional, and personal environments.
The international community also creates valuable learning opportunities. By interacting with students from different countries and backgrounds, participants develop cultural awareness, empathy, and a greater understanding of other people’s needs.
Leadership starts with personal growth. Before guiding a team or influencing a community, young adults must learn how to lead themselves.
Learning Different Ways to Lead a Team
For Victor, one of the most valuable lessons came during his first month at Cumorah Academy.
“In the first month, I learned that there are a lot of ways to lead a team.”
He also recognized that leadership requires more than giving instructions. A good leader must communicate expectations, support team members, and create an environment where everyone feels comfortable contributing.
“You have to be clear in your expectations, support them, and create a friendly environment.”
These lessons reflect an important part of the Leadership and Personal Development Program: understanding that leadership involves people.
Every team has different needs, personalities, and challenges. Learning to recognize these differences helps young adults become more thoughtful leaders who can adapt their approach and support those around them.
These principles are valuable in many situations, from organizing a community project to managing a professional team or taking responsibility within a family.
Learning from Experienced Mentors
Another highlight of Victor’s experience has been learning from visiting mentors.
“It’s been an amazing experience to learn from mentors.”
Cumorah Academy regularly welcomes visiting mentors who share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives with students. They also have opportunities to meet individually with participants and discuss their goals, challenges, and future plans.
Victor remembers one conversation with an early couple of visiting mentors. During their discussion, they discussed his religious mission and the importance of relying on God as he works toward personal goals.
These conversations offer students an opportunity to reflect on their decisions and receive guidance from people with different life experiences.
Mentorship adds a personal dimension to learning. Students can connect classroom principles with real-life experiences and gain perspectives that help them move forward with greater confidence.
For Victor, this experience also connected with one of his main reasons for joining Cumorah Academy: strengthening his relationship with God.
Learning to Lead Yourself First
One of Victor’s most meaningful reflections describes how the program changed his understanding of leadership.
“This program helped me to be a better leader for myself. Then, when I learn it, I can lead other people.”
His words express a central principle of personal development.
Leading others requires self-awareness, discipline, responsibility, and the ability to make thoughtful decisions. Young adults who develop these qualities can approach challenges with greater confidence and become positive influences in their communities.
The Leadership and Personal Development Program encourages students to put these principles into practice. They learn through classes, discussions, teamwork, public speaking, and everyday interactions with their international community.
The goal is to help each student build a foundation they can carry into their education, career, relationships, and future responsibilities.
Experience a New International Community
Beyond the classroom, Cumorah Academy offers students the opportunity to build friendships with people from around the world.
Living and learning alongside an international community introduces students to different cultures, experiences, and perspectives. It also creates opportunities to practice communication, develop friendships, and discover new ways of looking at life.
Victor’s recommendation is simple:
“Just come! I’ve met people from around the world.”
His invitation captures an important part of the experience. Personal growth happens through lessons, but it also happens through conversations, friendships, challenges, and shared experiences.
Take the Next Step in Your Leadership Journey
Your young adult years offer an important opportunity to discover your strengths, clarify your goals, and prepare for the responsibilities ahead.
At Cumorah Academy, the Leadership and Personal Development Program brings together practical education, spiritual growth, experienced mentors, and an international community to help you build a stronger foundation for your future.
Like Victor, you can strengthen your relationship with God, develop your leadership abilities, and meet people who will challenge and encourage you along the way.
Your future leadership journey can start with one decision.
Apply to Cumorah Academy and become part of a community committed to personal growth, faith, service, and leadership.
Take your next step. Apply today and discover what you can become!
