Education: The Real Power Behind Change
For many people, education is a means of gaining power—real power. Not the kind that dominates others, but the kind that opens doors, builds confidence, and helps you overcome challenges.
As Oprah Winfrey once said, “Education is the key to unlocking the world. It is the passport to freedom.”
And she’s right. When you invest in education, you don’t just gain knowledge—you gain new abilities that can transform your life. Education gives you tools to act, to think critically, and to build a better future. That’s why at Cumorah Academy, we believe that when you give skills, you don’t just give education—you give opportunity, freedom, and purpose.
From Knowledge to Action
True intelligence is not just about knowing facts—it’s about applying what you know. It’s the process of turning information into action.
In today’s fast-changing world, new technologies are reshaping how we live, work, and connect. Tools like AI assistants such as ChatGPT, advanced presentation software, and navigation systems are becoming everyday necessities.
Learning to use these tools is valuable—but they’re only part of the story.
While technical abilities will continue to evolve, there are other skills that never go out of style. Patrick Sedivy, CEO and founder of Cumorah Academy, calls them Life Skills—skills that shape character, strengthen relationships, and build leaders.
These include:
- Communication: expressing ideas clearly and confidently.
- Connection: building relationships that matter.
- Planning: setting goals that align with purpose.
- Leadership: influencing others with integrity.
At Cumorah Academy, these are the skills that define success—not just for a career, but for life.
The Power of a Life Vision
One of the most powerful Life Skills our students learn is how to create a Life Vision.
It’s more than just setting goals—it’s about defining why you do what you do. Your Life Vision gives direction to your decisions and meaning to your actions. It helps you stay focused even when things don’t go as planned.
But many people struggle to plan their lives. They hold onto beliefs like:
- “We can’t know what comes next.”
- “Every time I plan, it doesn’t go well.”
These thoughts can become invisible barriers—limiting beliefs that make people feel like passengers in their own lives. It’s like carrying a heavy backpack filled with doubt and fear.
At Cumorah Academy, we help students unload that weight. Through mentoring, teamwork, and reflection, they learn how to take control of their choices and design a life that reflects their values.
A Student’s Journey: Finding Purpose Through Vision
One of our students, Fernando Vivas from Venezuela, perfectly expressed what it means to learn this essential skill:
Question: “What’s one skill you’re learning at Cumorah Academy that will change your life?”
Answer: “Working with a life vision. I’ve always understood the importance of working with plans and goals, and working hard to achieve them. But understanding the importance of a life vision gives the plan and goals actual meaning and purpose. I have learned that having a life vision makes you work harder and not give up in difficult times.” — Fernando Vivas, Venezuela
Fernando’s words capture the essence of what we strive to teach. A Life Vision gives strength when challenges come. It turns goals into something personal, something that pushes you to keep going when it would be easier to quit.
The Difference a Vision Makes
When new students arrive at Cumorah Academy, many feel uncertain about their path. They know they want to grow, but they don’t yet see where that growth will lead.
Then, something begins to change.
They feel it the moment they step onto campus—the sense of direction, purpose, and community. Surrounded by mentors and peers who believe in them, they start to see what’s possible.
They begin to set goals, write their visions, and act on them.
It’s no surprise that Brian Tracy, a world-renowned author and motivational speaker, said:
“Clear written goals have a wonderful effect on your thinking. They motivate and galvanize you into action. They stimulate your creativity, release your energy, and help you overcome procrastination as much as any factor.”
At Cumorah, we see this transformation happen every semester. Students who once felt lost rediscover their confidence. They learn how to communicate effectively, build meaningful relationships, and lead with purpose.
That’s the true impact of what happens when you give skills—you don’t just teach, you empower.
Skills That Last a Lifetime
While the world races to learn the newest software or the latest AI trend, the most valuable skills remain deeply human.
Life Skills like communication, empathy, resilience, and faith will always be in demand. These are the qualities that help young adults thrive—not just professionally, but personally and spiritually.
At Cumorah Academy, we believe education should do more than prepare you for a job. It should prepare you for life.
That’s why every class, project, and mentorship experience is designed to help students grow in three essential ways:
- Professionally – developing the skills to succeed in today’s global workplace.
- Personally – understanding their values and building strong character.
- Spiritually – discovering a higher purpose and living with faith.
When students leave Cumorah, they don’t just graduate with knowledge—they leave with a roadmap for life.
The Power to Change a Life
Education is freedom. It opens minds, unlocks opportunities, and builds stronger communities. When you give skills, you give someone the power to change their circumstances—and, in many cases, the world around them.
As Oprah said, education truly is “the passport to freedom.” And when combined with values, purpose, and faith, it becomes the foundation of a meaningful life.
Why Giving Skills Matter
Each semester, students come from around the world—often with limited resources but limitless potential. Many have faced difficult circumstances. Yet, when given the chance to learn, grow, and lead, they become unstoppable.
That’s why the invitation to give skills is so meaningful.
When you support education at Cumorah Academy, you’re not just funding classes. You’re giving young adults the opportunity to build a future—one grounded in purpose, integrity, and service.
You’re helping someone like Fernando find their Life Vision. Also, you’re helping another student gain confidence to start a business, serve their community, or inspire others to dream bigger.
It’s a ripple effect that changes lives—and it starts with one choice to give.
Giving Hope: A Campaign to Uplift and Educate the Next Generation of Leaders
Giving Hope is Cumorah Academy’s annual scholarship fund campaign, where we invite individuals and partners worldwide to invest in the rising generation.
In this Thanksgiving season, our minds shift to the things we have in life and we are grateful for. We recognize the opportunities we received from people who believed in us, and we are moved by a desire to extend that same opportunity to others. This is the heart of Giving Hope
Through this campaign, we receive donations to give young adults access to leadership and personal development programs that prepare them to lead with purpose and faith.
Since its launch in 2023, the Giving Hope Campaign has gathered scholarships to empower many students to discover their potential—and to become instruments of hope in their own communities.
Turn Your Generosity Into Impact
In this season, you can be part of something life-changing.
Help young adults discover who they are, what they can do, and how they can make a difference. Every contribution—big or small—helps a student learn the skills that will shape their future.
Give skills. Give purpose. And give the next generation the tools to succeed.
Donate today to empower young leaders at Cumorah Academy.
Written by Fernando L. Ferreira Jr.
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
