The Morning Dilemna

How do you start your day? Some like to have a prepared checklist of tasks and goals. Others start their day like a jazz guitarist, simply improvising without even looking at a plan. And then there are those who, in a perfect world, would love to stay in bed as long as possible. If your answer aligns with the third scenario, you’d probably get along well with Rikuto, our student from Japan.

“When I was in Japan, I didn’t like waking up early,” he admits. “I would prefer to stay in my bed.” To be fair, we could say that 90% of people worldwide would rather stay in bed than work. However, as tempting as it sounds, staying in bed wouldn’t help us achieve our inner purpose. And Rikuto started noticing this. “I knew something was missing,” he says. Where could he go to learn more about himself and expand his vision of his potential?

Finding Purpose at Cumorah Academy

“I learned about Cumorah Academy through a friend,” recalls Rikuto. “My favorite part of being at Cumorah Academy is that I’m surrounded by inspiring people.” Although Cumorah’s mission is firmly rooted in the life and teachings of Christ, Rikuto didn’t feel any pressure to learn about religion. However, it did make him reflect on his own beliefs and faith.

This environment of reflection is one of the most powerful aspects of Cumorah Academy. We create a place where reflecting on your choices is part of the assignments. Our students receive an assignment named Life Vision, in which they ask deep, profound questions about themselves and their future. This isn’t merely a class assignment; it is a blueprint for their lives and missions. While it can be adapted in the future, the Life Vision of each student will be vital for their lives.

And Rikuto loved this.

“Life Vision leads my life,” he says. These five words are powerful: Life Vision leads my life. He learned and applied it to his life. Additionally, he has high aspirations for himself: he chose to study English at Cumorah so he can apply to an international university in the future. Letting the Life Vision be your personal compass will guide you through the myriad of options life has to offer.

A Bright Future Ahead for Rikuto

Rikuto’s journey is only beginning. His language study isn’t the only benefit he gained from studying at Cumorah Academy. “I like being with my friends here, and I love entertaining them,” shares Rikuto. If you pay attention to the pictures where he is, he’s probably smiling and making a funny face. That’s his essence. Cumorah Academy simply expands the talents of each student, wherever they may come from.

With a Life Vision and determination, Rikuto is ready to face the challenges of the world. “Now, I wake up every morning with my plans and knowing what I’ll do,” he says proudly. Before, he barely planned his days, and now he has plans for the morning and his future! The Rikuto from the first paragraphs is now very different.

Rikuto shared a little of his experience on our campus:

Written by Fernando L. Ferreira Jr.

Photos by Camila Caraveo

Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer

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