“Do you have a vision for your life?”
“How do you see yourself in five or ten years?”
At some point, we’ve all heard these questions. Maybe a teacher asked you to picture your future career. Maybe your parents sat you down for that conversation. Or maybe you’ve asked yourself late at night, wondering where your life is heading.
For many people, these questions feel frustrating—or even pointless. The future seems too uncertain. Life isn’t a straight line. Plans change. Dreams shift. So why bother planning at all?
That skepticism is understandable. Life is unpredictable. But here’s the paradox: people who take time to imagine their future often end up achieving outcomes they never expected. Not because everything went according to plan—but because they had direction.
Research supports this idea. Having personal aspirations has been shown to enhance both physical and mental health.
Another study published by the National Library of Medicine revealed that individuals who create clear visions for their future are significantly more likely to work toward—and achieve—them.
A life vision doesn’t guarantee certainty. It gives clarity.
And clarity changes everything.
A Generation Searching for Direction
Many young adults today report feeling lost, overwhelmed, or unsure about their purpose. With endless options and constant comparison, it’s easy to feel paralyzed by the fear of making the wrong choice.
That’s where Cumorah Academy comes in.
Cumorah Academy’s mission is simple but powerful: to help young adults discover their potential and step into it with confidence. This happens one student at a time, through mentorship, education, and intentional personal development.
Everyone who works at Cumorah Academy shares one core purpose:
To inspire young adults to achieve their potential.
Some students arrive with long-dreamed projects but no clear way forward. Others come feeling directionless, unsure of what they want or who they’re meant to become. From day one, students are invited to reflect deeply on their lives—and to take ownership of their future.
That reflection begins with one of the most important assignments at Cumorah Academy.
What Is the Life Vision?
The Life Vision is a personal statement of the goals, values, and dreams a student wants to pursue. There’s no right or wrong way to create one—only an honest one.
Some students write their Life Vision on paper, carefully choosing words that reflect their hopes and priorities.
Others design vision boards filled with images, quotes, and symbols representing the future they want to build.
The format doesn’t matter. The intention does.
Why is the Life Vision so powerful? First, it creates accountability. It’s easy to set goals and forget them when life gets busy. Writing them down—or visualizing them—makes them real.
Second, a Life Vision is flexible. It’s not a rigid plan locked in stone. It’s a living document that evolves as you grow.
You are the captain of the ship.
You are the protagonist of your story.
That means you have the freedom to adjust your direction as life unfolds—without losing sight of who you want to become.
In a world overflowing with possibilities, anxiety often comes from too many choices at once. Many young people wrestle with the same questions:
“What if I’m not successful?”
“What if I make the wrong decision?”
“How do I know I’m on the right path?”
There are many questions, and time seems to move fast.
That’s when wise mentorship makes all the difference.
Learning from Ed & Vickie Austin
This is where Ed and Vickie Austin step into the story.
Ed and Vickie joined Cumorah Academy from Utah as an Advisory Couple, bringing decades of experience, faith, and love for young adults. Their journey together is a testament to shared vision and long-term commitment.
“We met at BYU,” Vickie shares. “We danced in a group called the International Folk Dance Ensemble.”
They were friends for several years before they began dating, and they eventually married in 1978. Today, they are parents to three sons and grandparents to eleven grandchildren. For more than 30 years, they worked together in the Dance Department at Brigham Young University.
Their connection to Cumorah Academy began while serving as missionaries in France, where Church leaders in the Europe Central Area introduced them to the Academy’s mission.
“Our hope here is to help young people understand their projects and direction when they leave Cumorah,” Ed explains. “A Life Vision will be a wonderful tool once they step into the next phase of their lives.”
As an Advisory Couple, Ed and Vickie provide students with a steady foundation—helping them reflect, refine their goals, and make thoughtful life choices. Their presence is marked by genuine care and a deep belief in each student’s potential.
They came fully committed to bringing out the best in every student they meet.
“The Lord Needs You to Change the World”
If you are between 18 and 35 years old, this message is for you:
You matter. And you are needed.
President Russell M. Nelson (1924–2025) spoke directly to your generation when he said:
“The Lord needs you to change the world.”
This isn’t a distant call meant for someone else. It’s an invitation—to learn, to grow, to serve, and to discover who you’re meant to become.
Cumorah Academy is a place where learning meets purpose, where faith meets action, and where joy is found in meaningful growth. It’s a season of discovery, challenge, and unforgettable experiences.
We invite you to explore our social media platforms and catch a glimpse of daily life on campus.
Your presence would bring joy to our campus—and your life vision could shape a future bigger than you imagine.
Written by Fernando L. Ferreira Jr.
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
