Finding clarity about your future can be one of the hardest challenges young adults face. Career goals often feel vague, plans shift, and uncertainty can weigh heavily. That’s where the Cumorah Academy life vision comes into play. For alumni like Matheus Rodrigues, discovering his vision at Cumorah was the turning point that helped him go from being unemployed to launching a new career and even starting his own software company.
This is Matheus’s story of resilience, growth, and the lasting power of vision.
When Matheus, from Brazil, joined the Spring 2024 semester at Cumorah Academy, he was at a crossroads. “I was just laid off from my past job,” he recalls. Unsure of his next step, he spent time in mentorship sessions with U.S. college alumni but still felt the need for something more—a place to reset, focus, and find direction.
That search led him to Cumorah, thanks to a friend from his church stake. He didn’t know it yet, but the semester would do more than sharpen his skills. It would set him on a path of clarity and discipline through the Cumorah Academy life vision.
The Power of Givers: A Lesson That Changed Everything
One of the first and most memorable lessons for Matheus was about being a giver. It was a simple idea, but it carried profound impact. “I never thought about it before like that,” he admits. “I was always taught to be kind and caring for others, but I never looked at it that way. It helped me put in perspective a principle that I had in my life for so long, but never knew the deep impact it could have on other people’s lives.”
That shift reframed how he viewed service, relationships, and leadership. Giving wasn’t just an act of kindness; it was a powerful mindset that could shape entire communities. For Matheus, it became the cornerstone of his Cumorah Academy life vision—a vision built on serving others while pursuing excellence in his career.
Finding Structure and Confidence
Before Cumorah, Matheus admits that he had always planned ahead—sometimes one, two, or even five years into the future. But when he arrived on campus, something was missing. “I didn’t have an action plan for my future,” he explains.
At Cumorah, he found the structure and daily discipline that helped him regain focus. From leadership and professional development classes to being a teaching assistant in the coding bootcamp, every experience reinforced his ability to combine knowledge with practice. That structure became a roadmap, allowing him to not only dream about the future but also take concrete steps to achieve it.
Achievements After Cumorah: Career Breakthroughs
The results of his renewed focus came quickly. “One of my goals was to get hired for a job that paid more than any other job I had before,” Matheus shares. “And I accomplished that two weeks after I came home, thanks to the amazing network Cumorah gives.”
Landing a better job wasn’t just about technical skills. It was about communication, confidence, and networking; skills he had sharpened during the program. Today, Matheus works as an IT Operations Specialist for a U.S.-based company. He credits Cumorah for preparing him to confidently present himself to employers and build the professional network that opened the door to his current role.
Building a Company: From Vision to Action
While thriving in his IT role, Matheus didn’t stop there. Inspired by the entrepreneurial mindset at Cumorah, he took a bold leap. “Besides working in IT I’m also starting my own software company! I’m just starting it this month, so we’ll see where it takes me.”
For him, this was more than a side project. It was the practical application of his Cumorah Academy life vision—a chance to use his skills to create solutions that make people’s lives easier. With every step, he is moving closer to his ultimate career goal: becoming a senior software developer capable of building any software system, anywhere in the world.
Lessons From Mentors: Wisdom That Sticks
Cumorah’s mentors were another cornerstone of Matheus’s experience. Among them, the Brooks left a particularly strong impression. “Learning about their life experiences was amazing! I also had the opportunity to have a one-on-one interview with them, which helped me ponder and make a lot of really important decisions I was making back then.”
For Matheus, mentors didn’t just offer advice—they provided guidance at pivotal moments. Their example taught him that leadership is not only about professional success but also about aligning personal decisions with long-term purpose.
The Skill That Made the Biggest Difference
Of all the skills Matheus developed, one stands out: communication.
“Definitely communication skills,” he says. “I know it doesn’t sound like much, but this skill alone goes across every class that I had at Cumorah. It goes from talking in a better manner to knowing how and when to reach out to potential employers. It was truly life-changing knowing how to leverage this skill.”
For Matheus, communication became more than just speaking well. It was the bridge to opportunities, the key to interviews, and the tool that helped him build lasting professional connections.
Advice to Future Students
When asked what advice he would give to future students, Matheus doesn’t hesitate. “Take as many extra activities and classes as you can!” he encourages. “I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to handle everything, but after a while, you realize that all those once-a-week classes and activities are worth taking the time to attend. And you always learn something new while growing closer to your classmates.”
His advice reflects one of the central lessons of Cumorah: growth doesn’t just happen in the classroom. It happens in the community, through experiences, and in the willingness to stretch beyond your comfort zone.
Why Cumorah Academy Life Vision Matters
Matheus’s story highlights why the Cumorah Academy life vision is so powerful. It’s not just about professional skills or academic knowledge—it’s about clarity, structure, and the confidence to take bold steps.
With his renewed vision, Matheus was able to:
- Overcome the setback of losing a job.
- Land a higher-paying role within weeks.
- Start building his own company.
- Develop the skills and habits needed to reach his long-term career goals.
His journey shows that vision is more than a dream—it’s a practical guide to living with purpose.
Your Next Step: Begin Your Vision
Matheus’s transformation is proof that your future doesn’t have to stay uncertain. With the right environment, mentors, and community, you too can build a foundation for success.
At Cumorah Academy, you’ll find more than classes—you’ll find structure, mentors who care, and the space to create your own Cumorah Academy life vision.
The question is: are you ready to discover your vision and turn it into reality?
Apply today to Cumorah Academy and take the first step toward a clear path, stronger skills, and a future full of purpose.
Written by Fernando L. Ferreira Jr.
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
