Transformational education has the power to change lives, and Yames is living proof.
What does it really take to change your life? Some say it’s luck. Others believe it’s talent. But time and again, we’ve seen that real change starts with one thing: action fueled by transformational education. Ideas, dreams, and goals only become a reality when you take the steps to make them happen. Look around — everything you see was once just a thought until someone took the bold step to bring it into existence.
The same is true for your life. Goals remain dreams until you take action. The challenge for many is knowing what action to take — and having the right environment to guide that journey. That’s exactly what Yames found at Cumorah Academy.
A Journey Fueled by Transformational Education
Yames grew up in the vibrant, colorful country of Peru — a place filled with culture, tradition, and beauty. But like so many young adults around the world, he found himself wondering: What’s next for me? Where do I belong? How do I build the life I dream of?
Driven by a desire to grow, learn, and develop himself, Yames made a courageous decision to step far outside of his comfort zone. He traveled across continents to join Cumorah Academy in the Czech Republic, a place he had only seen in pictures, trusting that this opportunity would lead him to something greater.
Yames joined us for the Spring Semester of 2023.
“I remember arriving on campus,” Yames shares. “I felt the love and warmth of the entire community and was so grateful that I thanked Patrick, the founder, and said, ‘God will bless you very much for creating this academy.’”
That moment wasn’t just the start of a new experience — it was the beginning of a complete transformation. Yames came seeking direction and left with a renewed sense of purpose, confidence, and a vision for his future.
Before coming to Cumorah, he was doing what many determined young adults do — investing in himself the best way he could. He worked in customer service, improving his English by practicing with clients, and even signed up for Mandarin Chinese classes. Every step he took was driven by a desire to become self-reliant and prepared for the opportunities he believed would come his way.
His mindset of growth aligned perfectly with Cumorah’s mission — to empower students with the tools, skills, and confidence they need to build a life of purpose and service.
As President Russell M. Nelson has taught, “Education is a commandment.” Yames took that truth to heart.
Mentorship: The Heart of Transformational Education
At Cumorah Academy, transformational education goes far beyond textbooks and classrooms. It’s about transformation from the inside out. One of the most impactful elements of the program is the mentorship experience.
Students get the chance to interact with mentors. Someone who listens, guides, supports, and helps them turn vague ideas into concrete plans. It’s not about giving students the answers, but about helping them ask the right questions: Who do I want to become? What is my purpose? How can I use my talents to serve others?
“I’m studying Mandarin Chinese,” Yames explains. “Thanks to the mentors at Cumorah who guided me through the life vision process, I’ve now found real opportunities to go to China and deepen my studies. My dream is to become a Chinese-English interpreter — something I never thought was possible before this experience.”
This didn’t happen by accident. It happened because of a clear vision, consistent effort, and a community that believed in him even before he fully believed in himself.
Mentorship at Cumorah isn’t just advice — it’s a lifeline. It’s someone walking beside you as you figure out the steps to your dreams, cheering you on when it gets tough, and reminding you that you are capable of more than you think.
A Place Where Transformation Happens Every Day
Yames’ story is powerful, but it’s far from unique at Cumorah Academy. Students come from every corner of the globe — Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia — each with their own hopes, fears, and questions.
Some come after hearing about the Academy from friends or family. Others stumble upon it through social media, YouTube videos, or conversations with alumni. But no matter how they arrive, they all come with the same yearning — to find direction, build meaningful relationships, and grow into the person they were always meant to be.
Many students arrive feeling stuck, weighed down by fear, doubt, or uncertainty about their future. The world can often make young people feel like they’re not enough. But at Cumorah, they’re reminded of a deeper truth: they have divine potential, unlimited worth, and the power to shape their destiny.
That’s why transformational education at Cumorah works — it speaks to the whole person. Students don’t just leave with academic knowledge; they leave with stronger character, deeper faith, lifelong friendships, and a clear life vision that guides their future decisions.
You can see the transformation. After just one semester, students carry themselves differently. They speak with confidence and set bigger goals. They walk forward with a sense of purpose and excitement about their future.
Be the Next Transformational Education Success Story
Yames’ journey is far from over — and your story is just beginning.
At Cumorah Academy, we help young adults like you design a life of purpose, growth, and self-reliance. You’ll develop a powerful life vision, sharpen your skills, and grow alongside students from all over the world who are on the same journey of becoming.
If something in you feels ready — if there’s a voice saying it’s time for a change — trust it. Transformational education is calling.
Apply now and let this be the semester that changes everything for you. Step into your potential. Write the next chapter of your life — and let your story inspire the world, just like Yames inspires us.
Written by Fernando L. Ferreira Jr.
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
