“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” is part of a Bible passage that represents a way of life for Lee University senior, Tarah Armbrester. Graduating this May, Tarah hopes to put her faith into action by volunteering overseas, possibly with the Children of the Dump ministry in Paraguay, or through interning at the International Justice Mission.

 When Tarah first arrived at Lee, far from her hometown near Detroit, Michigan; she found it difficult to decide on a major. Interested in a broad range of subjects, Tarah waited until her sophomore year to decide on Sociology. “Sociology seemed to include thinking about a lot of subjects, including politics and culture. It seemed like a really well-rounded major,” said Tarah.

 During her four years at Lee, Tarah’s interests also branched out into different types of on-campus involvements. She has been a Peer Leader, GST Travel Guide, tutor, Sociology Club President, and members of the Model U.N., International Justice Mission, and Alpha Kappa Delta Honor Society.

 “Lee has not only challenged me in the classroom, but the First Year Program's emphasis on strengths, my cross-cultural experiences, and the service learning requirements have imparted a desire within me to empower community members in the developing world through Christian service,” said Tarah.

 It was through these involvements and her travel experiences while studying at Lee that Tarah feels she found her call to help the world’s impoverished.

 “Being raised in a Christian school, I knew all about God, but it was here that I began to understand the character of Jesus and continue to wonder what the world would look like if Christians strove to be more like Him in word and deed. The Lee experience has been a call to action,” said Tarah.

 She began to travel through Lee’s cross-cultural trips, and just didn’t stop. She has journeyed to England, China, and Nicaragua within the past few years.

 “Studying at Cambridge made me think about working overseas. It gives you confidence and is very empowering. The way traveling broadens your view radically changes the way you see the world,” said Tarah.

 She believes that her latest journey to Nicaragua, over Christmas, shaped her future and truly was the deciding factor in what she would pursue after graduation. “I had never seen poverty like I did in Nicaragua. As Christians we need to respond. It has made me want to go act,” said Tarah.

After her year of volunteer work is completed, Tarah is open to opportunities working or interning with nonprofit organizations, and eventually hopes to pursue a master’s in international development.

 “I am excited about graduation. I am sad to leave the Lee community, because it is very comfortable here, but I am excited to get out into the real world and actually do the things I’ve been learning about.”