Reflecting on her formative years at Caulfield Grammar, Tara recognised social interactions and community involvement’s impact on her academically and in nurturing her social skills and general well-being. She committed herself to athletics, excelling in netball, rowing, and touch football. She represented her school at the highest level, playing netball first in Year 12 and participating in seconds for rowing.
If she could share wisdom with her 17-year-old self, it would be a call to embrace life as it unfolds, a reminder to review the high standards she sets for herself with the understanding that excellence in every endeavour isn’t always possible. Her message would include the importance of balance, recognising that being commendably good across various aspects of life often outweighs the pursuit of perfection in a single domain.
Looking back at some of the critical lessons learned during and after her school years, she emphasises the importance of relationships. More than academic achievements or personal bests in sports, the connections cultivated with family, friends, acquaintances, and even those we interact with daily play a crucial role in our well-being and happiness.
Tara reflects on the school’s inclusive and welcoming nature. During a school tour, students’ sense of belonging and pride significantly influenced her decision to attend Caulfield. Their genuine enthusiasm and care for their school community left a lasting impression, distinguishing Caulfield from other institutions she and her family had considered.
She appreciates how Caulfield embraces individuality, encouraging students to leverage their strengths while supporting them in areas where they may struggle. Whether in arts, academics, or sports, the school’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where every student feels valued and supported significantly impacted her positive experience. This approach assisted with her integration into the school community in year nine and reinforced the importance of inclusivity and individual attention in creating a nurturing educational environment.
One of her fondest memories of her time at Caulfield was her rowing experiences during Year 11. Initially struggling with the demands of the sport and finding the early, cold training sessions challenging, her attitude shifted dramatically in her second season. As head of the River Regatta in 2021, this significant event brought her and her teammates closer together.
Her decision to take a gap year and work in the Northern Territory for Caulfield stands out as a significant departure from the predictable path of moving straight from school to university. This choice broadened her horizons and fundamentally altered her perspective on life.
Initially, outside her comfort zone, this experience in a regional town helped with her personal growth, shifting her worldview and challenging her preconceived beliefs and ideas about what she wanted from life.
Fast-forward to 2024, Tara navigates a busy yet fulfilling life as a university student and part-time worker. Pursuing a double degree in Commerce and Economics at Monash University, her academic endeavours find her at the Clayton campus several times a week, immersed in university life’s new challenges and opportunities.
Tara draws inspiration from various sources across different aspects of her life, with her parents at the core of her inspiration, whose unwavering support and encouragement have instilled in her the confidence to explore and excel in her endeavours.
Beyond her immediate family, Tara finds inspiration in the resilience and perseverance of people who overcome challenges to succeed. Despite facing difficult circumstances, she admires individuals who persist in their efforts and eventually attain their goals, whether those are defined by financial success, happiness, or personal fulfilment.
For Tara, the value lies in the outcomes and the journeys, the struggles and triumphs that create the path to success. This perspective underscores her appreciation for the human spirit’s resilience and the lessons learned through overcoming adversity.
Her current interests have led her to seek out stories and insights from female investors, a field where she finds both inspiration and relevance to her economic ambitions. The male-dominated nature of economics and business underscores the significance of these figures in her eyes, as they represent both role models and trailblazers in an industry where women have historically been underrepresented.
