Taro Raskin, Class of 2018
Taro Raskin, Class of 2018, told us about his first semester at Occidental College and serving as a Youth Basketball Coach for the Golden State Warriors!
What have you been up to since graduating from Berkwood Hedge School?
Since graduating from Berkwood Hedge, I attended Saint Paul’s Middle School, where I graduated in 2021. I then graduated from El Cerrito High School in June 2025 and began my undergraduate studies at Occidental College in August 2025. Aside from my education, I recently started a job with the Golden State Warriors as a Youth Camp Coach, where I obtained a USA basketball coaching certification. I have also been an active member of my local Buddhist church, Higashi Honganji, where I served as Co-President of the Young Buddhist Association. Most recently, I became a founding member of the first ever Nikkei Student Union at Occidental College, which is also part of the Intercollegiate Nikkei Council.
How has your first year at Occidental College been? What are you studying?
My first year at Occidental College has been a great experience. Along with being a founding member of the Nikkei Student Union, I also participate in the Japanese Student Union and the intramural basketball club. I am currently undecided in my major but am leaning toward Sociology.
What inspired you to become a Youth Basketball Coach for the Golden State Warriors?
Basketball has always been a great passion of mine, so being able to give back to the younger community by teaching them what I’ve learned and passing on lessons from along the way is truly meaningful to me. The Golden State Warriors have also been my favorite team for as long as I can remember, so having the opportunity to work in environments like the Chase Center and for such a well renowned organization is truly a blessing.
What did you learn through this experience?
Through this experience, I have come to realize that sports is a field I am deeply interested in pursuing long term. Being a camp coach has been both rewarding and enjoyable, and it has strengthened my desire to work in the sports industry. In the future, I hope to work my way into the business side of sports with an organization such as the Golden State Warriors, though the opportunity to work with any NBA team would be a privilege. Overall, this experience has solidified my commitment to pursuing a career in this field.
What lessons did you learn at Berkwood Hedge School that you still use in your everyday life?
The core lessons I continue to carry with me from Berkwood Hedge are kindness and the importance of community. During my time there, I was surrounded by supportive and compassionate individuals, which allowed me to develop empathy and learn how to treat others with respect and care. Equally impactful was the school’s emphasis on community, a value that has stayed with me as I’ve come to understand how influential the people around us can be. Berkwood Hedge fostered a warm and inclusive environment that supported my academic growth while also helping me build lifelong friendships.