Starting over in a new place takes courage. For Carlos Cárdenas, a Venezuelan writer living in Spain, attending Cumorah Academy was an opportunity to improve his English, explore new possibilities, and give his writing projects a fresh start. His story shows how personal growth at Cumorah Academy can help young adults turn their potential into meaningful action.
Starting Over With a Clear Vision
Before attending Cumorah Academy, Carlos wanted to step outside his comfort zone and focus on his writing.
“As a writer, I thought it would be a good chance to go to a new place without knowing anyone and start over again with my latest project while improving my English skills.”
He attended Session 3 2025 (Fall 2025 semester) as an English student. However, he wanted to make the most of his time on campus, so he took additional courses in conflict resolution, teaching skills, and career development.
One of his most meaningful experiences was creating his Life Vision. Through this process, he learned to picture the future he wanted to build.
“Drawing my Life Vision was a life-changing process for me. Now I have that painting to help me visualize my goals, and I continually bring that image to mind so I can stay focused.”
His Life Vision became a visual reminder of his goals and the future he wanted to create. Instead of simply hoping for change, he began developing practical ways to work toward it.
This experience became an important part of his personal growth at Cumorah Academy, helping him approach his future with greater clarity and purpose.
Discovering New Possibilities Through Mentorship
Carlos has always believed in his potential. However, he once thought there was only one way to achieve his goals.
“I deeply believe in my potential. I know I can do meaningful things, even though I used to think there was only one way to do them.”
His weekly mentoring meetings helped him challenge that belief. Through conversations with his mentors, he began to recognize that different paths could lead to the results he wanted.
“During one of my mentoring meetings, the weekly mentors helped me see how many ways there are to do anything I wanted.”
This change in perspective helped him approach his future with greater confidence. Rather than limiting himself to one plan, he could explore alternatives and adapt when circumstances changed.
For Carlos, personal growth at Cumorah Academy meant learning to recognize possibilities he had not considered before. That lesson became especially valuable when he returned to Spain and began working toward his professional and creative goals.
Turning Challenges Into Opportunities
Building a new life after the program was not as easy as Carlos had expected. He spent more than a month and a half looking for a job without receiving any interview invitations.
However, he continued trying. Eventually, he attended five job interviews, and all five employers offered him a position.
His experience shows that a difficult beginning does not determine the final outcome. Sometimes, progress requires patience, consistent effort, and the willingness to keep going when results do not come immediately.
He has also found opportunities to use his language skills in meaningful ways. He served as a translator for an Area Seventy authority during his last stake conference. More recently, he has been translating into English during sacrament meetings.
These experiences allow him to put his skills into practice while contributing to his community.
The skills he developed continue to open doors for professional opportunities and meaningful service. His journey reflects an important lesson from personal growth at Cumorah Academy: the abilities students develop can help them pursue their goals and serve others.
Publishing Poetry and Building Better Habits
Writing remains central to Carlos’s life. Since returning to Spain, he has published a poetry book and is working to increase its sales so it can reach bookstores.
The publishing house will send the book to market after a certain number of copies have been sold. For now, he is learning to manage the sales process and take responsibility for bringing his work to a wider audience.
He has also continued using the Accountability Challenge process he learned at Cumorah Academy.
“I finished another poetry book that I started writing at Cumorah Academy. Now I can say that I have three books waiting to be published and more than one writing project in progress.”
His morning routine and focused work sessions have helped him write more consistently. By prioritizing his most important tasks, he has created more space for the creative work that matters to him.
His progress shows that creativity needs more than inspiration. It also requires discipline, accountability, and consistent action.
The habits he developed during the program now support his ambitions as a writer. His experience illustrates how personal growth at Cumorah Academy can influence daily decisions long after students leave campus.
Why He Believes Cumorah Academy Is Worth It
When Carlos first discovered Cumorah Academy, he waited two years before he felt ready to attend. He invested everything he had, and for much of that time, he worried that he would not recover financially.
Today, he is paying off his debts and watching his savings grow. Although the journey has required sacrifices, he can see the results of his investment.
“It doesn’t have to be easy, but it is totally worth it.”
His experience at Cumorah Academy also extended beyond his time as a student. When he returned as a Student Leadership Intern (SLI), he discovered new opportunities to learn and contribute to the community.
Looking back, he does not feel that he made the wrong decision. Instead, he remembers feeling that he was exactly where he needed to be.
“I never felt I was doing the wrong thing. All that time, I knew I was in the right place, with the right people, at the right time.”
His story demonstrates how personal growth at Cumorah Academy can continue long after students return home. The lessons, relationships, and habits they develop can influence their choices as they build their futures.
Take the First Step Toward Your Future
Carlos has a simple message for young adults considering the program:
“Do not take too much time.”
His journey has not been effortless, but he continues to make progress toward his goals. From publishing poetry to finding employment, he is building a future shaped by his talents, determination, and vision.
If you want to discover your potential, develop practical skills, and gain clarity about your future, Cumorah Academy can help you take that first step.
