.109 Yaara Tal

One of my favorite parts of life is when someone seems to randomly stumble into it, leaving you a better person because of who they are. This is the case with Yaara, who started as a complete stranger and subletting roommate of two best friends and became a dear friend and treasure to all of us. Yaara was physically here in New York for just 6 months and yet it feels like we’ve known each other so much longer. She feels like the embodiment of innocent kindness, someone who gives deep respect, time and compassion to anyone and everyone that crosses her path.

From the start, Yaara was extremely welcoming and patient will all of us, from our crazy behavior and millions of questions and stories. Yaara is an expert listener, and she does so with a laser focus and true empathy. She’s incredibly smart and matches her impressive brain with her immense heart that she wears on her sleeve. Most notable in my opinion is Yaara’s wonderful energy. She has this aura that makes you feel invited, noticed, and cared for, and she’s someone that you can just be around and feel comfortable. She’s such a sweet person with so much to give and tons more potential. The only bummer with Yaara is that she left so soon! But not before she was able to make a huge imprint on my heart and those of us that got to spend time with her. She’s a true joy to be around, to listen to, to laugh with, and to experience life with.

Yaara, thank you for being such a phenomenal human being and for embracing New York despite its loneliness and chaos. Thank you for always being willing to jump into any conversation and to deal with the craziness that is our friend group. Thank you (and your mom!) for that wonderful evening of sushi making, and thank you for teaching us so many bits and pieces of your world and culture. I’m so grateful to have met you but more importantly to still be friends to this day. Thank you, Yaara, for being all that you are.

-BD