I decided to take Japanese in my sophomore year. With no prior legitimate experience in the language, I was excited and beyond nervous. But, my class with Professor Kagawa, or Kagawa Sensei, was amazing. She creates a very friendly, fun environment and is just as happy as you are when you finally master a topic. Although learning anything new is difficult, Kagawa sensei is always able to break the most challenging concepts down into manageable expectations. She is in two words: adorably invested, even coming to my group’s event on the weekend just to show her support!Â
Department:Â Japanese
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Hometown:T okyo, Japan
What do you teach? All levels of Japanese language
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How many years have you taught at Tufts? Since 1996
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What’s your favorite aspect of Tufts? The diversity
Why are you passionate about what you teach?
I think its because I like to watch the students grow. Usually the students have no experience with the Japanese language, but if he or she continues to take Japanese after the first year, they begin to converse very well. The student’s also grow as human beings, into adults. So, all around, it’s really rewarding to see the students grow in these ways.
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What’s your favorite aspect of teaching?Â
I have a favorite teaching moment everyday. Sometimes a student surprises me if heÂ
or she can use the things I taught very well. Or I get an unexpected question from a student, and I realize just how smart and intelligent he or she is.
What were you like in college?
(Laughs) I was not a good student! I attended classes, but sometimes I skipped. I would go to play tennis or spend time with my friends.
What was your favorite part of college?
 I made a lot of good friends that I still see when I go back to Japan. That’s probably the best part, that lifetime relationship. I made a lot of them through playing club tennis. We’d play against students in the college and other colleges, so I would meet a lot of people that way.
What advice would you give to college students?
Challenge yourself, take a little bit of a risk, and enjoy.
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Why do you like Boston as a city?
I’m from Tokyo so basically I like a big city even though Boston is not that big. There are so many things in Boston I can enjoy: music, arts, sports, food, diversity. My favorite spot is probably along the Charles River, it’s really pretty. Especially in the springtime, when there are so many cherry blossoms trees.
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Who inspires you?Â
My mother. Since my grandfather owned a clothing store, my mom didn’t work. She got married and stayed at home to take care of us so she had never worked. She always told me to have some kind of certification or license and to work so she inspired me to have a career.
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If you have had any wonderful, awesome, inspirational professors, please feel free to e-mail me their names so I can interview them in “Campus Class-Acts!” (Alexandria.chu@tufts.edu)Â