How does the main character change in the story or what does s/he learn?

Two major life events occur in the book. Tiger must deal with the death of her grandmother and make a major decision about whether to leave her parents when Aunt Dorie Kay offers Tiger a home in Baton Rouge. Tiger feels a mixture of embarrassment and pity for her parents, as well as guilt for wanting to leave them. After Granny's death, Tiger's character changes from a girl who is more interested in pool parties and poodle skirts to a young lady who decides to remain at home to help her parents.