Yishira Somlen was born to Cameron and Taala Somlen in Sadorah City on El-Auria on Stardate 235303.17. Shira was a compassionate child and a devoted friend. She was imaginative in her play and had a passion for the arts, especially painting, music, and dancing. Unlike many of the Cantawi House, she was a diplomat and was driven by immaterial needs rather than worldly possessions. This lead to conflicts with her classmates. At the tender age of 4, she became a big sister to Stephia (born Stardate 235705.09). Though she and her sister often times had a contentious relationship, they were both very protective of one another.
By age 10, Shira had entered apprentice training to become a trader like her mother before her. However, her future was irrevocably altered when the Borg destroyed her homeworld and assimilated nearly every member of her species. She was one of only 47 to escape the destruction. Only 12 when the attack occurred, she went to live with her Aunt Leslie on Earth. She developed friendships easily and began to rebuild her life. By age 17, she was volunteering at hospitals in the area and had earned her C.N.A. certificate. But she grew bored with it and craved a challenge. Her compassionate nature led her to a career in psychology. She attended the University of Liverpool at the age of 22, completing her Doctorate by age 30.
Her craving for adventure still not fulfilled, she sought a greater challenge and found it when a Starfleet recruiter contacted her. She was fascinated. She enrolled at Starfleet Academy the following fall and graduated four years later (Stardate 238705) with Counseling and Nursing Majors respectively, and a minor in Psychology.
A month later, she received her first assignment as an Ensign aboard the USS Victory. Following the Spider's Web mission on Stardate 239207, she was transferred to the USS Gorkon and promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade. She was recently promoted to Lieutenant and transferred to the USS Za.
