One important event was her brother Tyler’s break from the family over the idea of higher education. Tyler decided to go to college, an idea that their parents sternly opposed. Tara had not previously contemplated the idea that any of the siblings would seriously break away and strike out on their own. Tyler’s courage of his convictions provided the necessary impetus toward thinking independently, as well as offering her a role model. She establishes her intention to follow a path similar to that of her brother.

A serious step in that direction was first to recognize how little progress she could make toward becoming her own person if she stayed with her family: she must formulate a different view of what constituted “home,” which required physical separation. Her dedication to her studies then enables her to gain admission into Brigham Young University.

Her father’s injury from the fire is another kind of wake-up call. Despite the hardships on the farm, she had not seriously considered the full impact of their isolation. Despite her mother’s healing skills, they had no viable way to cope with a medical emergency. Her father’s invalid status during recovery also changed the quality of their relationship, as he is unable to exert his domineering behavior.