A Moment of Reflection in the Fall Semester 2025
At Cumorah Academy, every semester includes experiences designed to inspire personal growth through reflection. One of the most meaningful of these is the visit to the Freiberg Temple in Germany. During this trip, students pause from classes and projects to reconnect with themselves, their peers, and a sense of deeper purpose.
This trip is far more than a cultural outing or a brief break from academic routines. It is a carefully curated experience that encourages students to pause, think, and explore questions that go beyond textbooks and lectures. By dedicating time to reflection, students gain insights that influence their personal development, leadership skills, and the way they engage with the world.
A Diverse Community United by Reflection
Cumorah Academy brings together students from dozens of nations, cultures, and belief systems. Walk across campus, and you’ll hear conversations in multiple languages, witness friendships forming across continents, and feel the energy of ambition and shared goals.
Even amid this diversity, one thing unites everyone: the pursuit of personal growth through reflection. The temple trip embodies that shared journey. Temples such as the Freiberg Temple are sacred to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Cumorah Academy believes that reflection and self-discovery are universal experiences—open to everyone regardless of faith or background.
This openness transforms the visit into more than a religious experience. It becomes a shared moment of contemplation, a space where students can consider who they are, where they are headed, and how they wish to contribute to the world. It is in these moments that the values of Cumorah Academy—unity, empathy, and purposeful leadership—come to life.
The Temple Experience: Reflection Beyond Religion
For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, temples are sacred spaces to make covenants, seek guidance, and feel closer to God. Within the temple, lessons about love, service, sacrifice, and commitment resonate deeply. These principles, while rooted in faith, also offer wisdom that transcends religious boundaries.
At Cumorah Academy, Christ-centered principles guide leadership training, mentorship programs, and community service initiatives. The Freiberg Temple visit extends this foundation, offering students an opportunity to experience lessons in love, service, and humility in a setting that invites introspection.
Santiago Robelo, from Mexico, described his experience:
“It was a beautiful experience feeling God’s love. He loves all of us. I’m so grateful to be here.”
His reflection captures the essence of the trip: connection, not conversion. It is about connecting with God, oneself, and fellow students. The temple becomes a place to slow down, listen inward, and appreciate the spiritual dimension of life, which ultimately strengthens personal growth.
A Space to Pause and Grow
One of the most impactful elements of the temple trip is the pause it creates in a semester filled with classes, workshops, and networking events. In this quiet space, students have the freedom to ask meaningful questions, such as:
- Who am I becoming?
- What am I truly seeking?
- How can I use my talents to serve others?
- What kind of leader do I want to be?
Sunie Araujo, from Peru, shared her feelings:
“Today was my first time in the Temple. I’m grateful for the people who made me feel safe and comfortable.”
Moroni Silva, from Brazil, added:
“I’m grateful for this chance. I can feel the Savior’s love and am happy to be here.”
These personal reflections highlight that personal growth through reflection is about more than academic achievement. It is about gaining insight into one’s character, values, and aspirations. It is about learning to navigate life with intention, gratitude, and a commitment to serve others.
Students often find that moments of quiet reflection like this influence how they approach studies, friendships, leadership roles, and even community projects. By stepping away from the rush of daily life, they gain clarity on what matters most and are reminded of the deeper purpose behind their hard work.
Sharing the Journey of Reflection
Perhaps the most meaningful aspect of the Freiberg Temple visit is that it is a shared experience. Students from different nations and beliefs come together as one community. On the surface, it may seem like a simple day trip. On a deeper level, it embodies Cumorah Academy’s core values: unity, mutual respect, and purpose-driven living.
Each student experiences the visit uniquely. Some leave with feelings of peace, others with joy, gratitude, or inspiration. Many gain a renewed perspective on life, a deeper understanding of themselves, or a quiet appreciation for the spiritual dimension of their journey.
The shared nature of the trip reinforces that reflection is not just a private act—it can also be communal. By witnessing and supporting each other’s moments of insight, students strengthen their bonds, build empathy, and cultivate a collaborative mindset that carries into all aspects of academy life.
Why Reflection Fuels Personal Growth
In a fast-paced world dominated by achievement, moments of stillness are rare. That is why the Freiberg Temple trip is invaluable—it reminds students why they work hard, the type of leaders they aspire to become, and how they can use their talents to positively impact others.
At Cumorah Academy, education is about transformation, not just skill acquisition. The temple trip demonstrates that personal growth through reflection fosters character, faith, empathy, and purpose. It prepares students to face challenges with resilience, lead with integrity, and approach life with intentionality.
Reflection helps students connect the dots between academic learning, personal development, and spiritual understanding. It shows them that education is not only about career readiness but about becoming a well-rounded, thoughtful, and compassionate individual.
A Call to Reflect and Grow
The Freiberg Temple visit is more than a tradition—it is a reflection of Cumorah Academy’s mission: to cultivate meaningful growth, lifelong learning, and recognition of the potential within each student.
For young adults seeking more than a degree—those who want to live intentionally, grow as leaders, and form lasting connections—Cumorah Academy offers a community where personal growth through reflection is encouraged and nurtured.
Apply now for Cumorah Academy and begin your journey of personal growth through reflection.
Written by Fernando L. Ferreira Jr.
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
