Tessa Horan was killed by a shark attack February 1st, 2006 on the island of Va’Vau, village of Tu’unuku in the Kingdom of Tonga. She had trained in the country for three months before her assignment on Va’Vau. She had lived in the village for less than three weeks becoming the town medic, a school teacher and soccer coach. In this third world country, time is compressed because there are no distractions. After her tragic death, the villagers said, "It seemed as if she had been here for years because she was immediately tending to the needs of our village". She was the first Peace Corps volunteer to live in Tu’unuku.
At the age of twenty four, Tessa’s accomplishments were numerous: Artist, Buddhist, Yogini, Ski Patroller, NOLS Instructor, White Water Rafting Guide, EMT, College Graduate, Peace Corps Volunteer, Organic Farmer, Sister, Daughter & Loyal Friend.
Tessa’s biography has turned into a legacy of service through her death. Due to the closeness with her family, they have created a foundation in order to carry out the humanitarian work she would have continued. Tessa’s tendencies toward service work have been nourished by Buddhism and the awareness that Peace begins when the hungry are fed. Tessa's life and action has propelled her family and friends into greatness by continuing her vision through The Tessa Foundation in honor of the under served.
Our motto comes from the acronym of Tessa:
Trust
Earth
See
Sustainability
Abound
And isn't it remarkable that Tessa spelled backwards is ASSET?
There are other people like Tessa in the world focused on saving the planet, human beings and animals. Let us be the change that Tessa so strongly advocated for. |
Tessa is made of stars!
Tess in Grand Canyon
Tessa with children of Tonga.
Tessa and Kalu
TESSA
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