A New Beginning for Leonardo
Located in Brazil, the city of São Vicente has an intriguing history. Founded in 1532, it was the first Portuguese settlement established in the Americas. Known as the “cradle of American democracy,” São Vicente was the site of the first election in the Americas. This historically significant city is also the birthplace of Leonardo.
Leonardo is a brilliant young man, thirty years old, who used to work at a university selling online courses. According to him, he led a simple life with his family and friends, working a lot, but he always felt that something was missing.
“I was unmotivated and unhappy,” admits Leonardo. Have you ever felt like that before? Many young adults share these same feelings, struggling with a sense of purposelessness and feeling lost. However, one message on LinkedIn changed Leonardo’s life forever.
“A friend of mine, Nicholas, sent me a message inviting me to learn more about Cumorah Academy,” Leonardo recalls.
Intrigued, Leonardo eagerly researched the organization and its programs. “Cumorah Academy enchanted me!” he says. After much reflection, Leonardo decided to take the plunge and prepare for this new adventure.
Overcoming Challenges
Leonardo’s journey to Cumorah was not without its challenges. “The preparation was hard,” he admits. “I saved a lot of money for the semester.” Though afraid of this significant step, he found support from his family. To prepare, he not only saved money but also sold personal items.
“I sold my TV, fridge, and other important belongings.” This preparation required a leap of faith, but his motivation kept him moving forward.
Despite these difficulties, Leonardo’s determination paid off, and soon he was ready to embark on one of the most rewarding experiences of his life. Almost every student who comes to our campus feels slightly insecure about many things. The newness excites them, but there are also worries, such as their English skills. Many come to improve their communication abilities.
Despite feeling somewhat insecure about his English, Leonardo was eager to improve. His time at Cumorah Academy provided numerous opportunities to do just that. “I had the chance to give a talk in English at church and even joined the choir!” he recalls. These experiences helped him build confidence and pushed him to step out of his comfort zone.
Growth and Future Aspirations
On campus, Leonardo studied Leadership, English, and Career Development. In these classes, he immersed himself in activities that expanded his limits. Eventually, he could use his English skills in a myriad of scenarios, including sharing thoughts and impressions.
He also has plans beyond his time at Cumorah: “I’m going to England after graduation to do volunteer work. This will help me improve my English even more.”
Leonardo’s involvement in activities like choir and public speaking highlights the personal growth he experienced at Cumorah Academy. His time with us not only expanded his horizons but also helped him become a more confident and ambitious individual. Looking back, he describes his experience on campus as truly remarkable, feeling ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
For those considering whether to join Cumorah Academy, Leonardo has simple yet profound advice: “Don’t hesitate to come.” His journey illustrates the transformative power of the Cumorah Academy experience. We invite anyone looking to enhance their lives and circumstances to follow in his footsteps. Come and live the Cumorah Academy journey.
Leonardo shared a little of his experience in the clip below:
Written by Fernando L. Ferreira Jr.
Photos by Camila Caraveo
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
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