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Sugata Sumida

Sugata Sumida

Sugata Sumida came to Cal State Northridge eager to embark on her degree in Public Administration. Originally from Japan, Sugata was surprised how warm and welcoming the people are at Cal State Northridge, and how accepting they are of different cultures. Sugata says Cal State Northridge truly is an international campus-her fear of "fitting in" with American culture evaporated the minute she got here. Sugata works part-time in the International and Exchange Student Center and in her free time enjoys taking in the cultural sights and diverse music of Los Angeles.

Area of study:
Master's in Public Administration (M.P.A.)

1. Why did you choose Cal State Northridge?
I chose it for its M.P.A. program and for its location.

2. Have you earned any awards or have any special achievements?
I'm a member of Phi Beta Delta (international honor society).

3. What do you like to do in your free time-on and off campus?
I love to go to museums in Los Angeles (like MOCA downtown), see movies, hear live jazz music.

4. What's the best thing about being a student at Cal State Northridge?
My classmates are so international-they really understand different cultures. And it's so beautiful here on campus. I feel so much better when I come here.

5. Do you have a favorite professor?
Dr. Warren Campbell and Dr. Christopher Leu. They are the nicest professors. They helped me a lot when I was struggling a little with my classes when I first got here.

6. What's the most valuable thing you've learned so far?
The discussion skills I've learned in class have been very helpful-it's a totally different learning style than in Japan. I've also learned how to be more open, to communicate with other people more, both in class and in my work.

7. What's one piece of advice that you'd give to incoming students?
I would tell them, especially Japanese students, to not push themselves so much, to not worry. They should enjoy the people, enjoy the classes, enjoy the campus.