A life-changing educational journey can begin in the most unexpected ways, and for Thamara—a 24-year-old digital marketing student from Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro—it started with a simple video, a quiet prompting, and a decision to believe in something bigger than her circumstances.
A Step of Faith and Determination: The Beginning of a Life-Changing Educational Journey
Thamara first heard about Cumorah Academy while studying in EnglishConnect 3. A classmate mentioned the program, describing it as a great opportunity for students seeking growth and international experience.
“I remember thinking, That’s a nice program, but it’s not for me,” she says.
Life went on—university classes, internship tasks, and the day-to-day routine of work. But everything shifted when she was scrolling through LinkedIn and found a video of a Brazilian student talking about his time at Cumorah Academy. His message was simple:
“It doesn’t matter if your English isn’t perfect. Cumorah Academy can be the ignition point to change your life.”
That moment sparked something powerful.
“When I heard those words, I felt something deeply inside me,” she recalls. “I knew I had to apply.”
This small moment became the beginning of her life-changing educational journey, one that would demand courage, sacrifice, and faith.
When the Hardest Part Becomes the Most Transformative
The decision to apply was easy. Making it financially possible was the challenge.
With the modest income of an intern, Thamara had to cover university fees, credit card payments, and daily expenses—while still saving enough for an international trip.
“I was tangled inside,” she shares. “It was hard.”
But her family, believing in her dream, encouraged her to sell homemade brigadeiros and palha italiana during her lunch break.
Her first attempt was heartbreaking.
“The first person said, ‘Thank you, but no.’ I was devastated,” she says. “I started to cry.”
And then a song began playing on her phone. The lyrics said: “Don’t be afraid.”
“I remembered that God was with me,” she says. “I felt motivated again.”
She kept trying. People started buying. Her confidence grew. By the end of the day, she had sold almost everything—and her family bought the rest to support her.
That experience marked an early turning point in her life-changing educational journey. It taught her resilience, courage, and the power of taking small steps even when fear is loud.
A New Beginning at Cumorah Academy
Arriving at Cumorah Academy felt like stepping into a new chapter—one filled with hope, purpose, and opportunities she had never imagined.
“So now I’m here, speaking my imperfect English,” she says. “But I’m here.”
She enrolled in the English course and quickly realized she wasn’t alone in her imperfections.
“I think no one here has perfect English, only the natives,” she laughs. “But we are all improving together.”
Beyond language learning, Thamara discovered deeper lessons about leadership, service, personal development, and the importance of dreaming boldly.
“At first, I thought I came here just to study English,” she says. “But I learned so much more—about being a better person, about inspiring others, and about following my dreams.”
One theme resonated deeply with her: the importance of having a life vision.
“I love that lesson,” she shares. “It made me think about what I want to achieve.”
Growth Through Teamwork and Community Connection
One of the most meaningful parts of her experience has been the teamwork structure at Cumorah Academy.
“At Cumorah, we are divided into groups called houses,” she explains. “It’s where we apply everything we learn—working together, teaching each other, and growing through different perspectives.”
These collaborative experiences reshaped her confidence and taught her that growth happens in community, not alone.
“You grow because of the people around you,” she says. “It’s awesome.”
Her life-changing educational journey has been continuously shaped by these shared moments—moments of learning, serving, laughing, and pushing each other to be better every day.
A Vision Filled With Purpose
Thamara’s goals are clear, ambitious, and rooted in service.
“I want to become a digital marketing analyst and work for big companies,” she says. “But before that, I want to learn and grow in my career.”
Her dream reaches beyond professional success.
“I want to help other people follow their dreams,” she says. “I want to support others the way I was supported; I want to serve.”
She also dreams of marriage, building a family, and living a life guided by gratitude and faith.
Her life-changing educational journey is not just about personal progress—it’s about becoming someone who uplifts others.
Advice for Future Students: Start Your Life-Changing Educational Journey
When asked what she would say to students who doubt themselves, her answer is full of honesty and hope.
“If you think your English isn’t good enough, or you don’t have enough money, or you’re not good enough to be here, just apply,” she says. “You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be yourself.”
Her message captures what Cumorah Academy stands for: growth, courage, opportunity, and transformation through small acts of faith.
Her experience shows that a life-changing educational journey doesn’t require perfect conditions—only a willingness to take the first step.
A Heart Full of Gratitude
No part of Thamara’s story comes without acknowledging the people who lifted her along the way.
“I’m grateful for my family,” she says. “For their love and support. For my mentors and teachers who gave me advice, feedback, and patience. And for the donors who made this opportunity possible.”
Her gratitude is deep and enduring:
“You changed my life. I will never forget this. Thank you, I love you all.”
The Moment That Changed Everything
Looking back, Thamara sees Cumorah Academy exactly as that video once described it: a place where lives are transformed.
“It was the ignition point that changed my life,” she says.
Her journey reminds us that big transformations often begin with small yeses—with a spark, a whisper, or a simple act of courage.
Her life-changing educational journey continues, and she hopes others will feel inspired to begin their own.
Ready to Begin Your Life-Changing Educational Journey?
If you’re ready to start your own journey of growth, connection, and purpose, visit cumorahacademy.org to learn more and apply.
Your “yes” today could be the first step toward a life-changing educational journey of your own.
If you’re ready to grow, to serve, to connect, and to discover who you can become, your place is here.
Apply now and come to Cumorah Academy.
Begin the journey that could change your life forever.
Written by Emily Grow
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
