Elder Anderson is a straight-laced young man. He was brought up to be an ideal student, an athlete, and a model citizen. During his senior year of high school, he was recognized as one of the most outstanding young men in his class.

All this while coming to grips with the fact that he would not be attending college like his classmates. Somewhere towards the end of his schooling, Anderson had somewhat of an awakening. He realized he wanted to take a more spiritual path in life, a path that would lead him ultimately to enlightenment.

The sudden change in plans was a shock to all those around him. He was expected to go to one of the top schools in the country, potentially an Ivy League college, but instead, Anderson decided at the last minute to join the mission and follow his spiritual calling. He believed that joining the mission alongside other boys who were in search of a greater vision would awaken a part of him that could help him elevate to another level of being.