Author Tara Westover Talks Educated, Identity, and Change

Juliana Buckmaster ~  March 2026

World renown New York Times best selling author, Tara Westover, talked to Nardin Academy students about the lessons and values that she developed after publishing her hit memoir Educated. While opening the floor to all the questions students had for her, we heard her take on identity, change, and maturity after facing traumatic experiences while escaping her small town in Idaho. 

“Identity is shaped by the people around us, not so much our birth certificate or our birthday.”

Westover describes growing up in an isolated household where sense of self was influenced by her family and their beliefs. It isn’t until she leaves home where she realizes that identity is more than what is written on paper. This idea stood out during her visit because it made the audience rethink what identity really means. Instead of being something that is defined at birth, our identity is shaped by the experiences we go through and who we choose to stick by our side. Listening to her, it became clear that who we aren’t isn’t decided by where we are from, but rather the choices we make. This is influential to students as it shows that one can go through life altering experiences and still have the strength to grow and change. 

“I was dissociated when I wrote 'Educated', and now I would say I am more aware of the trauma I went through.” 

Westover recalls many intense and painful experiences from her childhood, often describing them in a way that feels detached or distant. Her insights became even more powerful during her visit, especially when she shared that she is now more aware of the trauma that she had to face. Ultimately, it showed that healing isn’t something that happens overnight, but rather something that takes time and patience. It was exciting to hear the “behind the scenes” of the feelings she went through writing her book, and how 10 years later she has grown into someone different. 

“If they call, I will pick up the phone and be there for them, but I won’t willingly call them.”

After facing what Westover faced, she has every right to want to distance herself from her family in order to fully heal. Westover mentioned how this type of distance does not necessarily hurt her, but rather gives her room to grow and live the life that she deserves. She explained an instance when a family member called her, and while being skeptical as to why, she chose to answer. She stated how if that happened again, she would be there for her family member and answer the call, but she would never willingly call them for something. That decision ultimately shows Westover’s growth, and the strength that it took to get to this position. Many students asked Westover questions relating to her family and her dynamic with them, so it was fascinating to hear about how she views them now in comparison to when she was writing Educated.