At just 15 years old, Tara’s life took an unexpected turn when she became pregnant with her first son. She left high school and placed her own dreams on hold to focus on her new responsibilities. But during the birth of her son, the care and compassion of the nurse who supported her left a lasting impression. From that moment on, Tara knew she wanted to become a nurse and provide that same comfort and care to others. In 2020, Tara began her journey at PAVE East Texas. Determined to turn her dream into reality, she worked tirelessly and earned her GED in 2022. She continued building momentum by enrolling in our Career Pathways program and proudly earning her Certified Nurse Aide certification in 2023. That determination carried her all the way to graduation from TJC’s LVN program in December 2025. Today, Tara’s future is filled with opportunity. Equipped with education, experience, and perseverance, she is stepping into a career she once only imagined — ready to serve, inspire, and change lives.