Jara was the daughter of a Terrelian diplomat who was assigned to Vulcan during the mid-23rd century.

Jara was granted a seat at Tuvok's school, after which he developed an emotional attraction toward her – love. Tuvok was willing to violate every tenet of Vulcan philosophy simply to be near her; unfortunately, Jara did not return Tuvok's feelings, and Tuvok chose to leave her. He later spent several months in isolation studying with a Vulcan Master, learning to suppress his emotions. (VOY: "Gravity")