Elder and Sister Spackman: Leadership and Embracing Challenges
Cumorah Academy
We help European Young Adults improve their English, find a better job, start businesses and become leaders.
A Week of Learning and Growth: Overcoming Challenges
Each week at Cumorah Academy brings new insights, challenges, and opportunities. Students eagerly anticipate the arrival of each mentor, knowing that these interactions shape their journey. At the heart of our mission lies the bond between mentors and students—an exchange that sparks inspiration and transformation.
This week, that exchange revolved around three essential themes:
Our distinguished mentors, Sister and Elder Spackman, shared invaluable wisdom, leaving a lasting impression on our students. Through their guidance, these principles became more than just concepts—they became actionable steps toward a better future.
Key Lessons from the Week
1. Leading Through Crisis
Every leader, at some point, will face a crisis—an unexpected challenge that tests their resilience. This is not a pessimistic outlook but a reality of life. The ability to remain composed, make strategic decisions, and move forward with faith defines true leadership.
Great leaders throughout history have faced self-doubt and hardship, yet they found strength in perseverance. This is why we emphasize these vital skills to our students. Elder and Sister Spackman taught that in any crisis, the key is to stay calm, assess the situation, create a plan, and trust in faith-driven action.
As they wisely put it:
“It is only a failure if we fail to learn from it.”
Learning from setbacks and mistakes is crucial. Every obstacle carries the potential to be a stepping stone toward growth. The difference between successful leaders and those who struggle lies in their ability to extract lessons from difficulty and use them to propel themselves forward.
2. The Power of Flexibility and Open-Mindedness
Adaptability is a cornerstone of success. Those who embrace change with an open mind will always find new opportunities. The willingness to shift perspectives and welcome new ideas expands possibilities and fuels personal and professional growth.
Fear of the unknown can often hold us back. However, as the Spackmans shared:
“The very things we run from are the things that will make us grow.”
Instead of avoiding challenges, facing them head-on unlocks doors to progress and transformation. The ability to pivot when needed and remain resilient in times of uncertainty is a skill that will serve students throughout their lives. In a rapidly changing world, those who can quickly adapt will always have an advantage.
This lesson was particularly relevant for students preparing to step into leadership roles. Whether in business, community service, or personal endeavors, being open to change allows individuals to thrive in the face of unexpected circumstances.
Meet the Mentors: The Spackmans
Who Are They?
Camilla and David Eldon Spackman, originally from Canada, are dedicated mentors currently serving in the Lyon, France Mission. Their work focuses on guiding young single adults in Toulouse, a role they cherish deeply.
Their commitment to mentorship stems from their lifelong dedication to service, personal development, and faith. Having worked with young adults for years, they understand the importance of guidance, encouragement, and the power of leading by example.
Their Passions and Strengths
The Spackmans embody a spirit of dedication and perseverance. Sister Spackman is an accomplished athlete, having competed in over 100 triathlons worldwide, including world championships and senior games—often securing first place in her category. Despite having 20 grandchildren, she remains active and determined.
Elder Spackman, on the other hand, is a lifelong learner. His passion for reading, Scrabble, and Sudoku reflects his sharp mind and disciplined approach to problem-solving. I wouldn’t challenge him to a Scrabble match if I were you!
Why do we highlight their hobbies and interests? Because these pursuits reflect the very qualities of great leaders—discipline, creativity, and resilience. Every passion fuels determination and innovation, ultimately influencing our ability to lead and inspire.
Their example serves as a reminder that leadership extends beyond professional achievements. It is deeply connected to the habits we cultivate, the challenges we embrace, and the mindset we choose to adopt.
Words of Wisdom
Having mentors like the Spackmans is a privilege for our students. Their enthusiasm and knowledge left an undeniable impact on our campus. Among their key pieces of advice were:
“Don’t put off until tomorrow what you should do today.”
“When opportunities come, take them.”
These simple yet powerful reminders encourage students to take action and seize the chances that shape their futures. Too often, we delay important decisions out of fear, uncertainty, or doubt. The Spackmans emphasized that stepping forward, even in small ways, can lead to significant breakthroughs.
This mindset shift can be life-changing. By adopting an attitude of readiness and proactivity, students position themselves for success in ways they never imagined.
A Transformational Experience: Overcoming Challenges
This week’s mentorship experience was nothing short of uplifting. The impact of these lessons extended beyond the classroom—students left with a renewed sense of purpose and direction.
As Minaz, a student from Brazil, expressed:
“It was an inspiring experience. I loved having them as mentors this week!”
The lessons of flexibility, faith, and personal growth will continue to guide our students long after this week has passed. The Spackmans’ teachings remind us that true growth comes from embracing change and seeking wisdom.
Each mentorship session at Cumorah Academy builds on a foundation of shared experiences, valuable insights, and real-world application. The exchange of ideas between students and mentors fosters a culture of continuous learning, self-improvement, and meaningful connections.
Join the Cumorah Journey
If you are ready to experience transformative mentorship and immerse yourself in the Cumorah journey, apply now for one of our upcoming semesters. Take the first step toward a life-changing experience—just as our students have.
Growth begins with action. Are you ready to take yours?