Asari Yahata

Rice University, Jones Graduate School of Business

“Tiny but mighty — how my patients used to describe me.”

Hometown: Yonezawa, Yamagata, Japan

Fun Fact About Yourself: I love traveling and collecting unique stickers from everywhere I go — I stick them on my suitcase to remember great moments.

Undergraduate School and Major: Yamagata Prefectural University of Health Sciences, B.S. in Occupational Therapy; University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Master of Science in Occupational Therapy

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Allegheny Healthcare Network, Home Health Occupational Therapist

What has been your favorite part of Houston so far? Why? So far, my favorite things about Houston are the unlimited food options, vibrant diversity, and warm Southern hospitality. The first semester of the MBA program has been very intense, and it can be challenging to fully explore the city. However, I cherish spending my moments between readings, assignments and recruiting by relaxing and discovering neighborhood cafes and restaurants with family and friends. I’m looking forward to doing many more fun activities here in Houston!

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the one key part of the Rice Jones MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Rice Business is full of passionate, supportive and talented professionals — especially the professors and members of the Career Development Office (CDO), who are truly dedicated to helping students succeed. That was a big reason why I chose this program.

What I didn’t realize before starting was just how team-oriented the classes would be. At Rice Business, every student is assigned to a core team that they’ll work with for the next two years, which really emphasizes the importance of teamwork as an essential skill for life after the MBA. Working with my core team has been a learning experience — we’ve had to figure out how to collaborate under tight deadlines while getting to know each other’s goals, cultures, passions, schedules, recruiting priorities, strengths and weaknesses. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been such a valuable journey, and I’ve grown a lot by learning how to support my teammates and navigate our collective success.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Rice Jones? There are so many amazing learning opportunities at Rice that it’s hard to pick just one! That said, I’ve been especially grateful for the incredible support from second-year students in both classes and club activities. Their advice, along with the encouragement from Rice alumni, has made such a difference in my experience here. It really feels like part of the “Rice Tradition”— a culture of giving back — where second-years and alumni generously support Rice students because they once received the same when they were in our shoes. Beyond the classroom, I’ve gained so much practical knowledge and valuable insights from their mentorship. It’s been such a rewarding part of my journey, and I’m excited to carry on this tradition of giving back to others.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest accomplishment so far has been establishing four innovative rehabilitation programs in Japan. Early in my career, I had the unique chance to work on multiple start-up projects, which is uncommon for most healthcare providers. One project involved creating a facility with a capacity for 100 residents, while another saw our team generate $500K in revenue within just eight weeks. Working with colleagues who had much more experience than me wasn’t always easy, but I focused on demonstrating my skills, staying passionate about achieving results, and communicating effectively. These qualities helped me overcome challenges and turn them into meaningful successes.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? My most significant achievement as an MBA so far is contributing to the success of my team in winning first place in the Adam Smith Society case competition during the second week of our MBA journey at Rice Business. It was an extremely agile learning process, as I began with very limited knowledge about case competitions and I didn’t know any of my teammates. It was a transformative experience that taught me the importance of adaptability and collaboration. Now, as a first-year representative for the Adam Smith Society, I’m committed to giving back and enriching the experience for other Rice Business students, just as I learned and grew from this opportunity myself.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? I’ve made so many lifelong friends here at Rice Business. Before starting my MBA, I worried about how competitive the environment might be. But at Rice Business, the culture is incredibly collaborative, and everyone is genuinely invested in each other’s success. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve heard the words, “No worries, I’ve got your back,” from my amazing peers — it’s truly made all the difference. Making new friendships in adulthood isn’t always easy once you’re working, but I’m so grateful for the incredible connections I’ve built here. Thank you all for being awesome — if you’re reading this, know how much I appreciate you!

DON’T MISS: MEET THE RICE JONES MBA CLASS OF 2026

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