A Passion for People
Look at her graduation-day resume, and it’s hard to believe Tara Bonistall had trouble deciding on a major.
She is, after all, the University of Kentucky’s recipient of the Singletary Award for Outstanding Senior, and the Outstanding Student of the Year of not one, but two colleges (Arts & Sciences, and Social Work), receiving dual degrees.
"As soon as I got here, I was waiting, waiting, waiting" for an indication of an appropriate major, recalls Bonistall, of Centerville, Ohio.
Eventually, she settled on English. After her sophomore year, Bonistall needed an elective. She found one in the College of Social Work’s catalog listings.
And then, Bonistall found her major.
"It had the appeal that if I wasn’t going to do something to help certain people, there wasn’t anyone who was going to," Bonistall says.
The field also fit with her personality.
"I’d always done some volunteer work, like being a rape-crisis volunteer. I did many volunteer projects for my Social Work classes. It was great training," says Bonistall.
In December 2005, she decided on the Social Work major. In three semesters, she completed the major requirements. She also earned a major in psychology.
Her social-work abilities soon became apparent on UK’s campus. She became director of the UK Student Volunteer Center.
"I really enjoy recruiting volunteers and placing them where they want to go," Bonistall says.
But she did not simply administer programs. She got her hands dirty.
"I was a Big Sister, until my Little (Sister) went to sixth grade. I had to make that transition of letting her go out on her own. It was fun to watch her grow up over the time we were matched," Bonistall says.
Bonistall has a strong interest in women’s health advocacy, and she has been interviewing for positions with agencies offering such opportunities.
UK faculty who have observed her have no doubt she will accomplish great things.
"(Bonistall) is not afraid to take a stand and point out an injustice, even when the issue for viewpoint may not be comfortable or popular… She is also quick to spend her time to advocate for a social change or to attempt to meet the needs of others," wrote Karen Badger, director of undergraduate studies in the College of Social Work.
Sociology Professor Joanna Badagliacco describes Bonistall as "a creative thinker, a leader, mature in her attitude and an exceedingly responsible individual … quite motivated and serious about her work."
In fact, in addition to the recognition bestowed by the colleges of Arts & Sciences and Social Work and the Singletary Award (through the UK Office of Student Involvement), Bonistall is one of the 2007 recipients of the Algernon Sidney Sullivan Medallion, presented at UK's Commencement in recognition of individuals with outstanding commitments to community service.
Bonistall is pleased about her decision to leave the Buckeye State to attend UK.
"Coming here was a really good decision. It’s prepared me for the real world. I feel like I’m ready to hold a job.
"I have loved every minute at UK, but now, I’m ready for a new challenge," Bonistall says.
Story and pictures courtesy of University of Kentucky Public Relations.
College of Social Work main phone number (859) 257-6650
Site Created and maintained by Gary Trumble
Last updated 8-6-07
