Summer — 2011

Sushma Jahal

AS/Computer Engineering

“All of my teachers here have been awesome! They really know how to build confidence in their students, trust me.”

Among all of her ‘awesome’ teachers at SMC, she singled out one for particular honors. “In my first semester here I had Professor Gary Fouts for astronomy. Incredible! He was, like, ‘Don’t be afraid. We’re all human beings—sometimes struggling—in this tiny part of the universe.’ And he really made us feel that his top priority was to make us all feel successful.”

Sushma has made truly excellent use of her time on her way to a transfer to USC or UCLA. “I looked at other colleges, but SMC offered me all the resources I felt I needed. Career counselors, financial aid, learning labs. Plus, this college is completely diverse and fun-loving. And it doesn’t hurt that it has the number one transfer rate to UCLA.” Sushma plans to go into computer engineering, because “I want to be able to build my own computers. I’m very hands-on, so I’m studying both hardware and software. I just love computers and math. They’re my world!” But Sushma’s SMC life has expanded well beyond the study of physics, electronics, and nanoseconds of computing speed.

“I joined the AS this year, and now I’m the Secretary of the Inter-Club Council (ICC). It’s my job to organize all the clubs, and ensure that they’re functioning correctly. If they miss too many meetings, they’re terminated. I keep ‘em honest! And I think that being involved with clubs is a great way to get the most out of this college. You have a computer science club, a math club.... You name your interests, and we’ve got a club where you’ll fit right in. Plus, we get to hear guest speakers from other colleges, and find out about scholarships and other opportunities. Being involved in a club is a sure way to succeed at this college.”

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