Meet Tara Yi

Whitworth Cadre One
'07 Graduate (B.A. Biology)
Lincoln High School '03

The diversity magnet

In high school, a time when it is very easy to fall into a "clique," Tara's understanding of the way individual differences can contribute to a community drew diverse types of people to her. "In my group we had jocks, nerds, cheerleaders and people from different races; it was just a mixture of people," says Tara Yi about her high school social experience. Tara understands the meaning of the word, "diversity," simply because she has lived it, but truly appreciating it and learning how to share this gift with others was a process that took work and understanding.

A heart for service

As a member and eventually president of the Key Club service organization at Lincoln High School, Tara was committed to serving her community; however, she was not entirely convinced that Tacoma was where she wanted to spend her life. Tara was doubtful as to what more the "boring" city where she was raised had to offer her and, in turn, what would she have to offer Tacoma. Certain that she would continue serving in the traditional community service methods she knew so well regardless of where she would end up, Tara's dream of becoming a doctor also seemed to be increasingly possible as the doors to college opened up and the Act Six scholarship made the path just a little easier.

Striving for understanding

Though nothing has been easy about being a biology major, Tara has pushed her way through the coursework and hardships of leadership as well. In a setting that lacked the diversity she was accustomed to at home, Tara attempted to relate to people in situations where she found herself frustrated. She realized that her annoyance seemed to ease the more she strived for understanding. "People are different, they express themselves and do things differently than I do, and that's okay," she says. Tara was also able to apply her gift for understanding others as a Young Life leader in Spokane. Tara was called on by countless parents who needed her to speak to their children as she proved to be successful in getting through to the young minds.

Sharing the gift

Tara feels as though Act Six has helped to prepare her to be a leader in her city. Tara now sees Tacoma as a place that has so much to offer through the diversity of its people. "Being in Spokane has made me appreciate Tacoma a lot…there's so much more diversity in Tacoma," she says proudly. Through her experience at Whitworth and in Spokane, she has learned several new ways to experience and share that diversity. Wherever she winds up, Tara is committed to using her diverse background and understanding heart for the benefit of her community.

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