Changing Priorities and New Opportunities
Our priorities are constantly evolving, often shaped by our perspectives and expectations for the future. Yet, life sometimes opens new doors, offering us unexpected possibilities. Saurell and Eric Jackson understand this perfectly.
One day, their daughter approached them with news about an intriguing program. She had heard about it from colleagues at BYU, where she works as a professor. Other professors were sharing their experiences mentoring for a week at a school in the Czech Republic. They had taught leadership, English, business, and more—all in a Christ-centered environment where everyone learned and grew together.
That’s how Saurell and Eric first learned about Cumorah Academy.
Priorities and Life’s New Directions
If you take a closer look at Saurell and Eric’s lives, you’ll see they’ve always known how to set their priorities, while also being willing to change course when needed. Eric, for example, attended Rick’s College after graduating from high school in 1969. However, he felt a strong prompting to go on a mission during his studies there.
Saurell, originally from Canada, moved to British Columbia after high school, working for her father’s vitamin business. Later, she attended Rick’s College, where she met Eric—and the rest, as they say, is history.
After just four weeks of dating, Eric and Saurell got engaged. Together, they’ve raised six children and navigated countless adventures, including presiding over the California San Jose Mission for three years. Remarkably, they were called to serve during the 2008 recession, but Eric’s law firm managed to survive despite the economic downturn.
Guided by Inspiration
Interestingly, Eric received a spiritual prompting during his first mission as a young adult. While searching for a career path, his mission president was inspired to suggest that Eric become a lawyer—a profession he has followed ever since. This ability to follow promptings and seek inspiration is something the couple has brought with them to Cumorah Academy.
Their example deeply resonates with the students. “You have to set priorities,” Eric advises. “Always know what’s most important, and always set goals. I keep a journal, and at the beginning of each year, I make a list of my priorities, checking them off as I work toward them.”
One student, Caleb Romeu from Argentina, was particularly moved by their message: “One thing I learned from this week’s mentors is the importance of commitment to our goals. I felt inspired to write down my goals at the beginning of the year and to pursue them diligently.”
Impact and Transformation at Cumorah Academy
Reflecting on their time at Cumorah, Saurell and Eric express their gratitude. “It has been wonderful to be here. There’s a special kind of light on this campus,” they say. As students embrace the couple’s teachings, they find their own beliefs and priorities transforming in the process.
Ultimately, we are always changing, and as we strive to follow our passions, we will discover that the time invested in these pursuits was well worth the effort.
The Power of Having a Purposeful Life
The Jacksons’ story reminds us that our priorities can guide us through life’s twists and turns. By setting goals, following promptings, and embracing new opportunities, we too can experience profound growth and transformation. Time spent in pursuit of our passions is never wasted—it’s an investment in the journey of becoming.
The couple shared a little of how it was like being at Cumorah Academy:
Written by Fernando L. Ferreira Jr.
Photos by Natalia Lopez
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
