One Word Changed Everything—And It Could Change Your Life Too
For Marichka Voitovych, a determined student from Ukraine, one single word has come to define her journey and reshape her future in profound and unexpected ways: uplift.
“Every day I’m approaching to become the person I want to be,” Marichka reflects thoughtfully. Her journey at Cumorah Academy has been about much more than academic achievements or acquiring new skills—it has been a journey of personal transformation, of discovering inner strength, and of learning how to live a life filled with greater purpose and intention.
From the very first moment she heard about Cumorah Academy nearly two years ago, something began to stir quietly inside her heart. “I just knew it was my time,” she remembers with conviction. It wasn’t a loud, dramatic realization, but rather a quiet certainty. Inspired by her sister’s life-changing experience on campus, Marichka made the bold decision to follow in those footsteps. She chose to leave behind the familiar comforts of home, the predictable rhythms of her daily life, and step courageously into the unknown.
“If I could pick one word to describe Cumorah Academy, it would be uplift,” she says without hesitation.
That single word captures not only what she found at Cumorah—but how her life has been transformed because of it. It speaks to the heart of her experience: one of growth, encouragement, resilience, and hope.
Why ‘Uplift’ Mattered to Marichka—And Why It Matters to You
Before arriving at Cumorah Academy, Marichka already carried the seeds of ambition. She possessed a quiet but determined desire to sharpen her skills, expand her horizons, and become a person of greater depth and purpose.
However, what she lacked was an environment that would nurture every part of her life—a place that would challenge her not only intellectually, but emotionally, spiritually, and socially.
“At Cumorah, I discovered how much I could change—not just my habits, but my mindset,” she shares. “It’s not only about classes. It’s about who you’re becoming as a person.” She joined our Leadership and Personal Development class and English course.
Like many young people around the world, Marichka longed for something more than certificates or grades. She craved meaningful friendships, resilience through challenges, a sense of purpose, and the confidence to step boldly into the future. Cumorah Academy provided all of that—and so much more.
“We are all searching for our potential,” she reflects. “And that search requires hard work, humility, and perseverance.”
At Cumorah, Marichka found a place carefully designed to uplift every part of her life: her character, her knowledge, her relationships, and her sense of direction for the future. It became a community where she could explore who she truly wanted to become—and find the courage to pursue it.
What ‘Uplift’ Looks Like Through Marichka’s Eyes
“Cumorah will uplift every aspect of your life,” Marichka explains confidently. “It uplifts your potential, your friendships, your knowledge, and much more.”
Her words aren’t theoretical or aspirational—they are deeply grounded in her own lived experiences. Through service projects, leadership workshops, engaging classes, and daily connections with people from all over the world, Marichka has grown in ways she never could have imagined before stepping foot on campus.
One particularly unforgettable moment stands out in her memory: serving alongside her group, Isaiah, at a local food bank. “We packed hundreds of peppers to help people in need,” she recalls with a smile. “That’s when I truly felt the joy of giving back—of contributing to something bigger than myself. It wasn’t just work; it was purpose in action.”
Another memory lingers for its quiet simplicity and profound impact. “One evening, we hiked to a hill with friends. We sang songs and spoke softly. In that moment, something shifted in me. I felt so alive, so connected to everything around me. A joy filled my body that’s hard to explain.”
These moments weren’t accidental or random. They were intentional reflections of Cumorah’s mission: to uplift lives through connection, gratitude, service, and personal growth.
At Cumorah Academy, students are taught more than just academic theory. They learn how to lead with integrity, manage their time wisely, set meaningful goals, and nurture both emotional and spiritual well-being. They are challenged to grow not only academically but also personally and socially, supported by dedicated mentors and surrounded by peers who genuinely want to see them succeed.
Let Cumorah Uplift Your Life—Just Like Marichka’s
Today, Marichka’s outlook on life is brighter, her sense of confidence deeper. She carries herself differently—not because she has suddenly acquired all the answers, but because she has learned how to ask better, wiser questions. Her time at Cumorah gave her the courage to dream bigger, the skills to lead with purpose, and the perspective to face challenges with resilience and faith.
“Be all in from the start,” she advises future students. “Don’t hesitate. Ask questions. Trust the process. That’s when true uplift happens. That’s when you start to see who you’re really meant to become.”
If you’ve been searching for a place where you can grow in every area of your life—spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, and socially—Cumorah Academy may be exactly what you’ve been looking for. Like Marichka, your journey doesn’t have to begin with a grand gesture. It can begin with something as small as saying yes to a new opportunity. A single step can lead to a future beyond what you can currently imagine.
You can see the impact of Cumorah Academy on her life in the clip below, where she tells a little of her story:
Start Your Journey Today
If you’re ready to take the next step, apply now to join our next semester and experience for yourself how Cumorah can uplift your life, just as it did for Marichka.
Visit cumorahacademy.org to learn more about the programs, mentors, and inspiring community waiting to welcome you.
Your uplift is waiting. All you have to do is take the first step.
Written by Fernando L. Ferreira Jr.
Photos by Julieta Ramirez
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
