The Era of Personal Progress

We live in an era of personal progress. Articles, TED Talks, books, lectures, and authors are spreading their messages regarding productivity and personal growth. Due to this extensive material being published, many concepts have become quite popular. One of these concepts is called SWOT analysis. SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.

Although mainly used for companies and organizations, SWOT analysis can be thoroughly applied to individuals. Anyone can benefit from having a personal evaluation of their strengths and weaknesses. Also, recognizing opportunities and things that might be stumbling blocks to attaining their goals will expand their vision. Essentially, this is how a SWOT analysis works: we evaluate our positive traits and identify likely weaknesses and threats. With that information, you will be able to set goals and plans to overcome your weaknesses, expand your strengths, search for opportunities, and minimize future threats.

If you liked the explanation in the paragraph above, imagine what our students felt when Nicole and Nate Gardner taught them during their week with us. The Gardners have broad experience in deep learning and leadership traits. This incredible couple is committed to personal growth and professional development and is eager to teach our students the best practices to expand their progress. Yes, they taught SWOT analysis and many, many other topics.

Personal Progress and One-on-One Interaction

One of the most fascinating aspects of having mentors on our campus is the interactions they have with each student. This exchange of experiences has the power to empower students and create new thoughts and ideas. Each student has a unique perspective and different projects for their life and career. Interestingly, when we ask a student about their impressions of the mentors, most of them mention how they feel about the mentors. It’s very spontaneous. Ana Soto, our student from Australia, highlighted their sense of humor and personal attention. “They were so chill and funny,” she says. “They encouraged me to pursue my goals and answered all my questions. Their lessons were very engaging, and they were a great example for all students!” What lovely words she said!

In fact, the Gardners are role models for personal progress and one-on-one interaction. Their life journey is full of strengths, and they embrace the opportunities that lie in front of them. Nate has a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy. He has built and led several businesses and is currently building an educational program called “Forge.” Nate also teaches a class called “Leading with Purpose” at BYU (Brigham Young University). Nicole has a Master’s Degree in Public Health and worked as a research assistant and in furniture sales during college. Curiously, both graduated from BYU and both served missions—Nate in Argentina and Nicole in Missouri, USA.

Lessons Learned and Lessons Taught

After a week full of classes and interactions with students, it was now time to say goodbye. Reflecting on their stay at Cumorah Academy, they shared what they learned from the students. “What I hope to take is the knowledge that every opportunity to meet somebody else is an opportunity to be enriched by their goodness,” shares Nate. Also, the Gardners were astonished by the purpose of Cumorah Academy and its mission to spread light in the world. Nicole, on the other hand, hopes that all students feel their love and respect for them. “I hope they feel our love for them. It’s really important for people to learn leadership skills and to improve wherever they’re at. Everyone in the world needs this,” she shares. The Gardners even see themselves as lifelong learners, which symbolizes their endless commitment to learning new things and progressing in any circumstance.

Indeed, our mission at Cumorah Academy is to create an environment where anyone can feel the palpable spirit of learning, progress, and ultimately love. Yes, love is part of the learning process. When a student feels that their teacher genuinely cares and loves them, their hearts are open, and their lives are changed. Thanks to Nicole and Nate Gardner, this week was a success.

Nicole and Nate shared a few words about their experience with our students:

Written by Fernando L. Ferreira Jr.

Photos by Camila Caraveo

Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer

To read more stories about the campus life, check our Blog Page.