With the knowledge that hard work pays off in the end, history major Eric Togami is prepared for the challenge of reaching his ultimate goal; law school, while also harboring the dream to someday become a politician.

Inspired by his motivation, Togami is transferring to Berkeley this fall with a GPA of 4.0.

“It’s been difficult this semester since I’m taking so many classes,” said 19-year-old Togami, who’s currently taking 17.5 units. “I’ve done it through hard work. You have to keep organized.”

Doug Hersh, dean of educational programs at City College, has become accustomed to Togami’s character.

“Eric is a very intelligent person and he’s focused and intense; but he’s not without a sense of humor,” said Hersh, with whom Togami is an intern. “I think he’s going to be a guy who’s going to dig in and take life seriously.”

And Togami will not be slow to “dig in,” as along with his own initiative, he doesn’t doubt other people’s ability to make changes in the world.

“Looking at the conduct of the American society as a whole, I feel like I have the ability to contribute,” Togami said. “If you have something to contribute with, you really should.”

Togami also makes sure not to allow his own workload to inhibit him from helping other students at City College, whatever the subject may be.

“I’ve seen him help a student in web design, and he’s not even taking that class,” Hersh said. “Anything you throw at him he can figure out. He’s adaptable and has the ability to teach himself what he needs to know in any situation.”

Togami is originally from Fresno and visited Santa Barbara for vacation over the summer, but decided to stay.

“I couldn’t ask for a more scenic environment,” Togami laughed and pointed out that during his year at City College he’s been completely satisfied with his teachers and the classes offered.

He’s also been an advocate for City College Superintendent-President Dr. Andreea Serban.

At a recent Board of Trustees meeting, he addressed authorities, encouraging them to keep Serban as president, stating that her actions have been efficient and that her decisions have been beneficial to City College.

“She’s really been influential,” Togami said and named her as one of the persons on campus that inspires him.

With the qualities Togami possesses, Hersh believes that he has the ability to go far.

“I would be surprised if we weren’t to hear the name Eric Togami in the future connected with something like the government or intelligence,” Hersh said. “I think he’s going to be a name that you will read in the New York Times.”