Asuka James

What is your current role at Barrett, and what are your primary responsibilities?

I am a program manager for Barrett Downtown Recruitment and Admissions Department. 
As a Barrett recruiter, I and another recruiter, Olympia cover Phoenix Union High School District, Xavier, and Brophy. We visit schools, join college fairs and connect with high school counselors to promote Barrett. Some of my primary responsibilities as a Program Manager at Barrett Downtown are creating strategic plans for recruitment activities and executing them.  

What do you enjoy most about your job and working for Barrett?

I love working at Barrett Downtown community. As a recruiter, I primarily work with prospective/incoming students but because of the smaller community, I stay connected with students after their enrollment and see their growth. I learn so much from students. They educate me what is happening in the nursing, medical, criminology field etc. Because we work with students from all the majors, I get to learn so many different things! Also, I am grateful for my team! For the recruitment event, for example, other departments such as advising or even faculty are always willing to help me! We truly care about students’ experience and I learn so much from them as well! 

What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of work?

I like traveling and trying out new restaurants. I also love the outside activities (when the weather is nice). My family and I often pack up some food and do picnic in the park. 
On third Friday of the month, Children’s museum is open late for membership holders.  We often take advantage of this opportunity and go to the restaurant at Downtown and enjoy the dinner!

What's a fun fact or hidden talent about you that most people at work might not know?

I am good at cooking (I believe). I often cook authentic Japanese food at home. I am also good at crafting. Once, my son asked me to make him Buzz lightyear’s wings. I put some materials that we already had at home together and made him the costume! 

Can you share a memorable travel experience or a dream destination you hope to visit someday?

My husband and I did 12 days road trip about 10 years ago. We rented a convertible car and went to Grand Canyon, Canyon de Chelly, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and stopped by San Francisco and LA before coming back to Phoenix! While we are visiting national parks, we did camp! 
I have never been to Europe except for transit at the airport and I would love to stay there for a couple of weeks and visit various countries and see some historical buildings/architecture there.