Tara graduated with honors from American University in Washington, D.C. with a multi-disciplinary degree in Communications, Legal Systems, Economics, and Government. She represented the Patriot League as Student Athlete of the Year in 2004 as well as being given First Team honors in 2003 and 2004.

Being surrounded by AU's diverse student body sparked Tara's interest in study abroad, but it wasn't until she tore her ACL sophomore year that she seriously considered an international semester. After surgery and rehab, she headed to Namibia and South Africa where her love of travel and culture was born. Tara has since traveled to over 30 countries on six continents, playing lacrosse in Australia, England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, and Holland along the way. She now resides in Amsterdam with her fiance.

"I realized I could either take advantage of my options in college or take them for granted. I chose the former. Studying abroad changed my life in more ways than I could have imagined. I am so thankful for having the presence of mind to make that decision - it changed who I was, who I am, and who I will become."

get to know tara:

Favorite food:

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and (Girl Scout) Thin Mints.

Favorite collection:

Art and paintings from street markets around the world.

Favorite sunset:

Giant's Playground, Namibia

Most life changing travel experience:

Holding a stranger's baby in South Africa as she loaded her groceries into a taxi... which pulled over to pick her up... with me in it.

Favorite quote:

"Your imagination is your preview of life's coming attractions." -Albert Einstein