This 20 year old college student with the looks of a high fashion model is not only beautiful but intelligent and focused. She takes her education very seriously and has her career path planned out. And you would be surprised that modeling isn’t necessarily at the top of that list. But, she is more than open to any opportunities that come her way because she respects and enjoys the hard work that is put into being a professional model. Let’s get to know more about this Cover Girl Next Door.The Facts:
Name: Sara Lesley Berke
Nickname: Party Barbie
Age: 20
Birth Place: Miami, Florida
Occupation: Student @ FSU
Nationality: Caucasian?? I’m a mix of a bunch of stuff.
Favorite Place: NYC—the lights, the people, the things to do—I love it.
Favorite Food: I’ll eat anything!! I like ethnic food but there’s this one side dish my parents make— kasha with bowtie noodles and gravy. It’s a Jewish dish. It’s one of the only things that makes me go back for thirds!
Favorite Music: Honestly, anything can get my attention. I don’t discriminate when it comes to music. I’ve always listened to rap, hip-hop, and R&B, but I also love all kinds of Spanish music. House is good, too.
One-on-One With Sara
Welcome Sara and thank you for giving us your time. I understand that you are a college student. What college do you attend?
Sara - I attend Florida State University (Go Seminoles!!). There’s something about the college atmosphere there that made me fall in love right away.
What is your major?
Sara - Biology with minors in Chemistry and Spanish. I plan on being a doctor in south Florida.
I know that you are extremely focused when it comes to your education (and I respect that), but tell me the story behind the nickname ‘Party Barbie’.
Sara - Haha. Well I love to party and a lot of friends call me Barbie so I put them together and that was it! With all the school work I do the only way to stay sane is to have fun, and I definitely get both accomplished!
It’s hard to believe that an attractive young woman like yourself hasn’t done much modeling in your past. Can you tell me about some of the opportunities that have come your way.
Sara - Well I recently did a photo shoot for a calendar called (The Unofficial) Girls of FSU. They wanted to take real FloridaState girls and have them represent their school, so when I was presented with the opportunity I was really excited. It was a lot of fun! I can’t wait until it comes out.
Is modeling a viable career opportunity in your future?
Sara - I don’t really know. I’m just going to ride the wave and see where it takes me.
What was the most difficult thing you experienced during a photo shoot?
Sara - They had one of those reflectors directing the sun right into my eyes and I was trying to stay pretty and not scrunch my face up. My eyes were watering like crazy. I pulled through it but it was rough!
What was the best experience you ever had?
Sara - I love looking at the photos when they’re done. I have a new outlook and respect for photography now.
If you could go anywhere in the world to do a photo shoot, where would that place be and why.
Sara - Brazil, but not a beach scene. I would do a forest scene with black panthers and snakes and lions with flowers everywhere. I would like to be exotic for a change.
What designer name brands can be found in your closet right now?
Sara - I don’t get too picky when it comes to brands of clothes. If it looks good, I’ll wear it.
What is your idea of a fun weekend?
Sara - A fun weekend for me would be going to the club with all my friends at night and hitting up the beach during the day. And no school work. Simple.
I understand that you enjoy cooking. What are your specialty dishes?
Sara - Yea I love cooking. It’s so rewarding when everyone’s like ‘Wow you really made that?!’ Usually my mom gives me a recipe and I’ll add a little extra spice here and there until it turns out just right. I don’t think I have any trademark dishes but I have to say I made some pretty badass quesadillas the other day!
What other special skills or hobbies do you posses?
Sara - Ok I’m going to sound like the biggest dork ever but one of my special skills will have to be…math. Lol. I love it! It’s like solving a bunch of crazy hard puzzles. And when you get it you’re like ‘YESS!!’. Besides school I love going to the gym and dancing. I’m not skilled in any dance yet, but I’m going to take salsa lessons in the fall. Salsa music is so beautiful and inspiring.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Sara - In med school, preferably at the University of Miami. You’ll probably find me on SouthBeach with 10 books by my side. You gotta do what you gotta do!!
What is your biggest fear?
Sara - I would say my biggest fear is something happening to family. If anything tragic happened I don’t know what I would do. We’re a tight family and I love them all so much.
I am also told that you are a boxing fan. Give me a couple names of your favorite fighters.
Sara - I think Floyd Mayweather is awesome. So is Winky Wright. They are just smart fighters and I respect that. I also like Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko. They have doctorates AND they are boxers! Now that’s talent.
What do you LOVE most about yourself and why?
Sara - Aww this is such a beautiful question! I love that I have passion for my future. A lot of people pick careers that they aren’t really into. Just for the pay check, you know? I knew I wanted to be a doctor since I was in kindergarten. The challenge is so enticing to me. I can’t imagine being anything else.
Who are your role models?
Sara - Definitely my parents. They taught me to work hard and never give up on my dreams. They support me 100% and I’m very grateful for that.
Where does your interest in different languages come from and how many do you speak?
Sara - In high school I had a boyfriend who spoke Spanish and a lot of friends who did as well. I took two years and fell in love with it. It’s another example of how I love challenges. Now I’m starting to understand Portuguese because of a current boyfriend. Wow I guess boyfriends have a lot of influence on me!
Which do you prefer, Myspace or Facebook and why?
Sara - Facebook. All the people I meet at college have it so it’s nice to be able to find them and keep in touch.
Give me your Top 5 artist you enjoy jamming to.
Sara - Let’s see…Robin Thicke, Toby Luv, Julieta Venegas, Bob Marley, and Tupac. Outside of the club I like relaxing music. Besides Tupac, but he has to be in the list.
What words of wisdom would you give young people that may look up to you?
Sara - I would say that you can be anything you want as long as you put your mind to it. Too many kids think only about socializing and they don’t realize that life has so much more to offer.
How can interested modeling agencies contact you for possible gigs?
Sara - The best way is my e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or my myspace page, www.myspace.com/playgirl0706 .
Finally, here’s your chance to give a shout out! Who would you like to send a shout out to?
Sara - My family, my boyfriend Juka, and all my wonderful friends (you know who you are!).
