At Cumorah Academy, we believe education is not just about goals and achievements, but about finding joy in the journey. For many of us, this can be hard to accept. We live in a fast-paced world that constantly urges us to plan, achieve, and move on to the next big thing. While goal setting and planning are essential for success, if we aren’t careful, this mindset can shift our focus away from what really matters: the journey itself.
You might be thinking, “But isn’t achieving what matters most?”
That’s a profound question, one we could explore for hours. But here at Cumorah Academy, we believe that while achieving your goals is important, enjoying the path that gets you there is equally vital. The journey teaches lessons that success alone cannot.
Think about this: if you were taking a train from Austria to Italy, would you sleep the whole trip, or would you gaze out the window and marvel at the breathtaking beauty along the way? Life is the same. If we are so focused on the destination, we risk missing out on the moments that make the trip worth it.
Learning to Savor the Journey
This week at Cumorah Academy, we welcomed two incredible mentors, Shannon and Jeff Tolman, who taught this very lesson to our students. Their message resonated deeply with all of us: life is about finding joy in the journey.
Shannon often says, “If you’re not having fun, you’re doing it wrong.” It’s a simple yet profound statement. When we approach life’s challenges with positivity and gratitude, we transform our experiences and elevate not only ourselves but those around us.
Throughout the week, Shannon and Jeff guided our students through powerful workshops on leadership, emotional intelligence, compassion, and personal connection. They helped students see that true leadership isn’t about power or position, but about leading with heart and purpose.
Shannon emphasized that compassion isn’t just compatible with effective leadership—it’s essential. Meanwhile, Jeff taught that the foundation of great leadership lies in truly understanding the people you are trying to lead.
Finding Joy in the Journey: Key Lessons From Our Mentors
Here are some of the core lessons Shannon and Jeff shared with our students:
- See others as individuals: Every person has a unique story and perspective. Taking the time to see and understand those you lead makes you a more effective and compassionate leader.
- Compassion strengthens leadership: Leading with empathy fosters trust, loyalty, and resilience in teams and communities.
- Embrace challenges: Life is full of setbacks, but each challenge offers an opportunity to grow, adapt, and become stronger.
- Find joy in the journey: Choosing gratitude and positivity, even during difficult times, transforms how we experience life.
Meet Our Mentors: Shannon and Jeff Tolman
Shannon Tolman grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, and her life was forever changed after serving in the Guatemala City Mission. She later graduated from the University of Utah in Interpersonal Communication. Shannon loves connecting with people, hosting beautiful gatherings, and creating meaningful relationships. She often refers to herself as someone who “collects people,” cherishing every new connection she makes.
Choosing to be a stay-at-home mom, Shannon focused her life on raising her five children. She prayed to know how to raise each one in the way that would best help them thrive, seeing motherhood as her divine calling.
Jeff Tolman, originally from Los Angeles, California, also served a mission and later moved to Salt Lake City. He graduated with a degree in Finance from BYU and pursued further studies at the University of Utah. Jeff has served extensively in his church community—as a bishop, high councilor, and missionary leader. One of his greatest joys has been teaching in the singles ward and institute. He also loves all sports and cherishes time spent with his children and grandchildren.
Both Shannon and Jeff served in the same mission, which laid the foundation for a life dedicated to service, leadership, and faith.
Wisdom to Carry Forward
During their time at Cumorah Academy, Shannon, and Jeff shared these powerful quotes that left a lasting impact on all of us:
- “If you’re not having fun, you’re doing it wrong.” – Shannon Tolman
- “Compassion is the key to real leadership.” – Shannon Tolman
- “Understand the people you’re trying to lead; that’s when you know how to help them succeed.” – Jeff Tolman
- “Be prepared for detours—life doesn’t always go as planned.” – Jeff Tolman
Both mentors described Cumorah Academy as a sacred and inspiring place, a place that not only allows students to grow but also deeply touches the lives of those who come to teach. Shannon and Jeff expressed how their experience here left them more impacted than they could have imagined. They believe the principles taught at Cumorah Academy can bless the world, and they hope to see its influence continue to expand.
Embracing Life’s Detours
Jeff reminded us that “life won’t always go as planned.” Detours are inevitable, but they aren’t obstacles—they are opportunities to learn, adapt, and become better. Shannon encouraged us to “embrace each day” and not wait for the next big thing. Life is happening now, and it is meant to be lived with purpose, joy, and love.
As Thomas S. Monson wisely said:
“Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family.”
This is the very spirit we strive to cultivate at Cumorah Academy.
Look Out the Window of Your Life
As you work diligently toward your goals, don’t forget to pause and appreciate the beauty around you. Just like the train ride from Austria to Italy, there are breathtaking moments along your personal journey—if you choose to look out the window.
At Cumorah Academy, students don’t just learn business principles, leadership skills, and English—they learn how to live fully, to lead with compassion, and to find joy in the journey.
Join Us at Cumorah Academy
If you are ready to grow academically, professionally, and personally while embracing life’s journey, we invite you to join us at Cumorah Academy. Here, you’ll meet mentors like Shannon and Jeff, build lifelong friendships, and develop the skills and mindset needed to make a meaningful impact in the world.
Your journey matters, and we’re here to help you enjoy every step of it.
Apply today and start your adventure with Cumorah Academy—where education meets inspiration, and where you’ll truly find joy in the journey.
The Tolman expressed their feelings about the experience on campus:
Written by Fernando L. Ferreira Jr.
Photos by Julieta Ramirez
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
