Feeling Lonely

Have you ever felt like you need to do something in your life? You’re not sure what specifically it is, but you know something is missing. Unfortunately, many young adults go through this. Recently, an article from Harvard School states that many young adults feel directionless and lonely. They lack a purpose and a sense of belonging.

Ednilson Pembo, known on campus as “Eddie,” knows what it is like to feel that way. Coming from Mozambique, Eddie shared what had driven him to Cumorah Academy. He served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for two years. He spent two years talking to people about Jesus Christ and His teachings, interacting with people from different backgrounds. Eddie’s routine was filled with interaction with people, being missionaries, leaders, and others.

After his mission, his routine changed dramatically. Shortly after he arrived home, he started studying online and working. His responsibilities and goals are different from when he was a missionary. Eventually, he started feeling lonely and missing talking to people and interacting. “It was very hard for me. I miss interacting with people. Due to my time at work and studying remotely, I couldn’t schedule a time to make friends.”

What could he do to overcome this?

The Feeling of Belonging

First of all, Eddie had never heard about our program before. “A friend of mine told me about the program. Then, I searched online and found the activities happening on campus. I was very interested!” What inspired him to come was the pictures of the activities and the interactions of students. That feeling of belonging and socializing started to grow.

You Are Not Alone

Eddie’s life before Cumorah Academy was quite different from what it is now. One aspect that blew him away was knowing that many others were going through the same challenges as him. “I’ve met several people from different backgrounds, but they’re going through the same challenges as me, and being able to build a lot of connections.”

Although coming from different countries, many students feel lonely and purposeless and want to change their lives. Like a fire spreading to other candles, others have the power to inspire the flame and passions of their own.

Alongside other students, Eddie highlighted another topic that he loved about Cumorah: “One of the most impactful things about being here is meeting and talking to different mentors with backgrounds, stories, and insights to share. I think it’s amazing that we get to spend time one-on-one with these people and ask them questions, talk to them about their lives, and learn from them.”

The privilege of putting together talented people and letting them interact and build friendships is a gift Cumorah is proud of.

Feeling Better About the Future

Aware of the current situation of the rising generation, Cumorah Academy has shaped a program where students will have the opportunity to serve others, learn, grow, and make friends. Yes, we value friendships.

There are countless people like Eddie looking for a chance to be part of a community that believes in values, commitment, faith, and hope. In fact, we do research within our campus to see what changes our students’ experience on campus.

After all, what are Eddie’s final words about his experience on campus?

“I’m thankful for the Cumorah Experience and hope many more students get the opportunity to come here.”

Watch his testimonial of his experience at Cumorah Academy:

Written by Fernando L. Ferreira Jr.

Supervision: Kamila Uberto Fullmer.

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