Name, city of residence:

Sarah Vince, Santa Cruz

Grade started at MMS:

I started in second grade, but then I left and did some traveling with my family, returning in ninth grade.

What inspires you?

People around me inspire me. My father grew up in a very different situation, he worked very hard to get where he is, so his work ethic is something I want to incorporate into my own life. I am inspired by how much and how many people love my mom, too, and the trainers, friends, and people around me living life to the fullest.

What is your favorite subject in school, and why:

This changes throughout the year, and can depend on the teacher. Currently it is art history with Angela Willetts. Art has always been fascinating to me, it is something that takes so long to master yet is so free-form.

If you had the power to change one thing in the world, what would it be?

That everyone had a universal understanding of community. People should have a sense of what is bigger than themselves and how their actions affect others.

If you could go anywhere, where would you go?

I would go to Vienna, Austria. I lived there briefly, but I haven’t been back since. I love the culture,  the language, and the people. Also, the seasons, I love how they have real, textbook, seasons.

Name one big challenge in your life right now:

Finding motivation within myself to do what needs to be done, primarily school work. Finding the will to finish.

What is your dream job and why?

My dream job is probably training horses, and also some stable job within the working world. I would like to have a barn, continue riding horses and competing, kind of two lives.

What are your three favorite things?

• Horses
• My friends and family
• Travelling

Favorite Book:

Mind Gym: An Athlete’s Guide to Inner Excellence by Gary Mack and David Casstevens. It can be really stressful competing with horses, having to disassociate and just focus on what I am doing. This book helped me to gain my mentality, and recognize what my mental level is. It’s a good guide for athletes who want to know themselves and compete at their highest level.

What do you want to do after high school?

Go to college and be thrown into the adult world.

Something you are proud of- and why:

I am proud of my independence. I feel like not many people would be able to dedicate themselves to a sport, and I like how I have been able to get it a grasp of myself. I have been able to seclude myself and focus on my sport, while also remaining connected to the world.

Something that makes you smile:

Simple achievements, the small things. Seeing people I love being happy, horses making silly faces, cooking, listening to music, or anything that makes me feel proud of being in the moment.

A favorite MMS memory:

In ninth grade, I went to the Ramayana! and helped my mom backstage. I saw the bears taking off their costumes, and everyone was gathering for the cast circle after the show. I loved seeing everyone’s pride, even though I wasn’t on stage.

Top three most played songs on your favorite playlist?

“Tomboy” by Destiny Rogers; “Victory Song” by Stray Kids; and “Take A Bow,” by Rihanna.

What have you been doing during quarantine?

During quarantine I have been living in a fifth wheel, working with horses, riding, traveling with the horses and doing school work.

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Alumnus Tabitha Hardin-Zollo (’20) interviewed Sarah for this spotlight feature

I have moved to Bronxville, New York to attend Sarah Lawrence College (SLC). In addition to playing volleyball at SLC, I am studying a lot as a pre-med major, and exploring Manhattan. Hopefully, when it is safer, I will get to explore more of the East Coast and get some in-person internships!