The Essence of Integrity
“Integrity is the essence of everything successful.” – R. Buckminster Fuller
Integrity is deeply connected to honesty. When you think of a great leader, what traits come to mind? Undoubtedly, integrity stands out as a defining characteristic of their personality.
Integrity encompasses honesty toward both others and yourself. When we keep a promise we’ve made to ourselves, we are practicing honesty and reinforcing our integrity.
This important topic is a core part of our curriculum. This week, students had the privilege of learning from Frédéric and Françoise Babin.
A Life Rooted in Integrity and Faith
Hailing from France, where honeymoons are a cultural tradition, the Babins embody the same values upheld at Cumorah Academy.
Their faith and love for God and the Savior have profoundly influenced their lives. Both served as missionaries during their young adulthood. Frédéric served in the Salt Lake City South Mission in Utah, while Françoise served in Brussels.
This remarkable couple has been married for nearly forty years. They have four children and eleven grandchildren. Françoise is an X-ray technician, and Frédéric is a lawyer specializing in labor law, with experience at prestigious companies such as DuPont and Kodak.
Mentoring with Love: Lessons from the Babins
After learning about our program through a friend, the Babins deeply considered joining as mentors for young adults.
Their time with the students proved mutually enriching. They loved hearing students’ stories and engaging in class discussions that provided valuable insights and inspiration for all.
As Elder Jack N. Gerard once observed:
“Living a life of integrity requires us to be true to God, to each other, and to our divine identity.”
This principle serves as a guiding blueprint for our teaching. Students learn to honor God, their relationships with others, and their divine identity. Understanding their divine heritage transforms how they view themselves.
Moreover, this shift in perspective empowers them to achieve anything they set their minds to. Each student experiences profound change when they embrace our program.
When asked for advice for students, the Babins offered simple yet profound counsel:
“Keep your optimism. Maintain a vision for the future and your life. As the values of the world shift, embrace the characteristics that will illuminate your path and inspire others.”
The Key to Success
Integrity is essential for every achievement. Success is not one-size-fits-all; it can be tailored to individual goals, whether raising a family, starting a business, or finding personal happiness.
Our students arrive with diverse dreams. Some come to learn about business, while others seek to improve their language skills. Yet, they all share a common goal: to find hope.
Cumorah provides a sanctuary amidst life’s storms—a place of belonging, learning, and growth.
As our students embrace integrity in all their pursuits, they set themselves on a path to success in whatever endeavors they undertake.
Written by Fernando L. Ferreira Jr.
Photos by Felipe Carrillo
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
