By Meghan Campbell

For many students, transitioning into college can be tough, especially when you’re moving far away from home. But for Arizona-native Anja Asato, FCRH ’18, shifting into the Fordham lifestyle has been practically seamless. During her three years here, Asato has managed to stay exceptionally busy, juggling a job, academics, clubs and a internship.

Originally intending to major in communication and media studies, Asato has since added on a journalism concentration and a sociology major to her course load thanks to Fordham’s diverse core curriculum. “I took a service learning class that I really liked, and a lot of the concepts had to do with sociology,” she said. “I decided I would do a double major in communications and sociology.”

Along with academics, Asato devotes a lot of her time to work. For over a year now she has been working in Manhattan as a personal assistant for a celebrity manicurist and beauty industry expert. In this position, she gets to help with the development of luxury beauty products and various business ventures. Through this job opportunity Asato has been able to be a part of some once-in-a-lifetime experiences, such as attending this year’s New York Fashion Week.
“It’s a great opportunity for me,” she said. “I get to see a lot of different aspects of her business, and I like to see all of these pieces coming together.”

When she’s not making the most of her own Fordham experience, she’s encouraging others to make the most of theirs.
Through her fellowship with the Manresa Scholars Program, an integrated learning community for freshmen living in Loyola, Anja gets to work on marketing and programming, planning a number of programs for the Loyola residents relating to the Jesuit beliefs and the Manresa mission. Most recently, she organized a retreat for Manresa students to focus on personal and communal reflection. “Service and community are really important to me, so I’m thankful this fellowship gives me the opportunity to share this passion with others,” she said.

These aspects of Jesuit ideals contributed to Asato’s decision to come to Fordham. “Fordham’s Jesuit values really spoke to me.,” sshe said. “Since coming here, I’ve been involved in various service activities.” Along with organizing service programs for the Manresa Scholars Program, Asato has tutored at Part of the Solution (POTS) and volunteers her time to give tours to families, showing prospective students what it means to be a member of the Fordham community.
As an Outreach Ambassador for Rose Hill Society, Asato focuses on connecting with students who are thinking about attending Fordham through various social media outlets such as Twitter, Instagram and the school blog, “iamafordhamram.”

“It’s nice to share my personal Fordham experience with others and help them make the important decision about where to go to school,” she said.
And the advice she offers these future Rams? “Explore your interests, find out what you’re passionate about, and always practice kindness.”