1 in 950: Sarah Berschinski ‘17

By Diva Gattani
Staff Writer

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Hometown: Bainbridge Island, Washington

Major: (Dual) Politics and International Relations / Hispanic Studies

What activities are you involved with on campus?

I am captain of the Mock Trial B team and 5C girls soccer club. I got involved in mock trial competition, because I was interested in law and public speaking. Everyone on the team is really close, and it is very much a team atmosphere. Mock trial is a lot of work though; it’s like taking another class, but everyone is really hardworking. The last tournament was the Claremont Regional Mock Trial Tournament, and although we didn’t move on to the second round, both A and B teams got honorable mentions. Forming a 5C girls club soccer team has taken a lot of effort, and we are still in the process of being recognized as a team. We need a lot of approval from administrative groups on the Claremont campuses. However, we recently played against California State Fullerton. We lost 2-1 but it was our first time playing together as a team and everyone put in a lot of effort and had fun.

Who is the most influential person in your life?

My mom, because she is really inspiring. She’s worked my whole life for the FDA, and she’s very selfless and dedicated to community service and philanthropy. She has made me want to become involved in government work.

Favorite TV show?

I’d say New Girl. I think it’s hilarious, and a lot of things on the show apply to my life.

Favorite Motley drink?

Blended Machachacha with soymilk and lavender.

Why did you choose Scripps?

I just walked on campus and had a gut feeling about it. There’s nothing more that I love now than going to an all women’s college.

What do you want to do when you [graduate]?

My dream job would be to work for the State Department, working for a non-profit, or, if I go to law school I would like to be a human rights attorney.

Favorite class this semester?

My Politics of the Food Economy class--because we have an internship component to it. I’m doing a meatless Monday program through Nancy Neiman Auerbach. Every Monday we pick up food that’s been donated from the farmers market and we prepare a vegetarian meal with women who have been released from life sentences in prison either through appeal or on good behavior. After dinner we have a discussion about food justice and sustainability. It’s really cool. Making meals with these women and eating together is in a way a form of protest against the food industry, and I find it very empowering.