“Who is Tanya Albarrán?”
That’s a hard question to answer — even for me.
My name is Tanya, and my story crosses oceans and cultures. I have roots in Ecuador, was born in Spain, and grew up in the beautiful coastal town of Albufeira, Portugal — a quiet, sunny place near the beach, full of amazing food, culture, and the life my parents worked hard to create for me.
I was always a shy child, but once I felt comfortable, I opened up and showed my real self — full of energy and creativity.
Art surrounded my life in every form. I loved creating, even though I wasn’t always sure what I wanted for my future.
My motto became simple:
“If you have a passion and the resources — just do it.”
Finding My Purpose: A Mission in Spain
I studied Arts in Portugal, but at 19 years old, I took a step that changed everything — I served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Spain Barcelona Mission.
My mission is my greatest treasure.
The people I served left a lasting impact on my life, helping me discover who I really am.
My testimony of Jesus Christ and my personal conversion are some of the brightest highlights of my journey.
Serving with American companions inspired me. After returning home, I felt strongly guided to continue my education — in a place that once seemed impossible: Utah, USA.
New Beginnings: Moving to Utah and Studying Marketing
The idea of studying in the United States was both exciting and terrifying. My English wasn’t strong, but with hard study and a lot of prayer, I passed the English exam and moved to Utah six months after my mission.
I began my studies at Ensign College, majoring in Marketing — and so a brand-new chapter of my life began.
Growth Through Challenges: Lessons I Didn’t Expect
Now, after living in America for over a year, I can see that this journey has been about much more than just studying.
It has been about learning, adapting, and finding my purpose.
During my first semester, I realized experience mattered as much as education. I focused heavily on building skills, especially because I dream of someday opening my own fashion marketing business. I love video recording, editing, helping people find their personal style, and exploring the beautiful world of fashion — all while staying true to my values as a member of the Church.
Although I’m very close to my family, moving abroad at a young age taught me one important truth:
There’s nothing impossible if you trust yourself and God.
Plans, Goals, and Unexpected Roads
Two words define me: Goals and Plans.
During my first semester, I completed certificates in Social Media and Digital Marketing to increase my chances of landing a good internship.
But life wasn’t easy.
I moved cities twice and even questioned whether I was studying the right major.
At my lowest point, I felt lost and alone.
One day, I visited the Bountiful Temple and prayed deeply. There, I felt a peaceful answer:
Be patient. God is preparing something for you.
That small moment of hope kept me going.
The Blessing of Finding Cumorah Academy
In March, Ensign College hosted a Career Fair. I prepared professionally — dressed formally, with ten résumés in hand — determined to find one internship.
That’s when I saw the table for Cumorah Academy.
I had a conversation with a man who mentioned they were opening a spot for a Content Creator intern. I left my résumé and later applied online.
Honestly, my hopes weren’t very high.
But then, mid-March, I received a surprising email:
An interview invitation!
I couldn’t believe it. After a lot of prayer, interviews, and small miracles, everything worked out. I could finally begin my dream internship.
Living the Dream: My Life at Cumorah Academy
Today, I’ve been at Cumorah Academy for over two weeks — and every day reminds me that this is exactly where I’m meant to be.
Being a Content Creator has been a challenge and a blessing.
I’m growing my skills, making lifelong friendships, and living moments I could have never imagined.
Most importantly, I’ve learned a beautiful truth:
Even when we think we have our life all figured out, God’s plan is always better than ours.
My career journey has officially started now — and I’m just getting started.
Written by Tanya Albarrán
Photos by Julieta Ramirez
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
