Editor's note: This story is part of a series profiling exceptional members of Penn State Schuylkill’s graduating class. For more stories like Raho's, visit Schuylkill Speaks!
SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. — For Ethan Raho, a fourth-year project and supply chain management major at Penn State Schuylkill, college has been about balancing independence, professional growth and meaningful connections.
A native of Williamstown, Raho said he chose Penn State Schuylkill for its proximity to home and affordability, as well as its smaller campus environment.
“Being close to home is great for me and something that I value,” he said. “I like being ‘free’ and also having the option to return home or see my parents and family whenever I choose to. I also really liked the smaller size of the campus. I couldn’t imagine myself going to a huge school.”
Raho said his path to his major began with exploration. After browsing degree options, project and supply chain management stood out.
“It was the only one that piqued my interest,” he said. “I went on a job shadow with a manager at a distribution center and thought that it would be something that I would like to pursue as a career, and I do not regret my decision.”
Hands-on experience quickly became a cornerstone of his academic journey. Raho participated in the Co-Op Program, an opportunity he credits with strengthening his resume and providing early exposure to his field. It was through the Co-Op Program that he was able to obtain an internship with MAE-Eitel. The experience helped him better understand the realities of his chosen career path, he said.
“You imagine what working in your degree after college will be like based off what you know and learned in high school,” Raho said. “The first internship can help you learn a lot and make that final decision to keep pursuing the degree or switch to another.”
Raho said those early opportunities laid the groundwork for his future.
“They impacted my future by giving me the foundation of experience and skills for the rest of my college and working career,” he said.
Outside the classroom, Raho spent three years as a member of the campus golf team, an experience that shaped both his personal and professional development.
“Being on the team helped me learn better time management skills and helped me meet new people and make new friends,” he said.
Throughout his time at Penn State Schuylkill, Raho found consistent support from campus advisers, who played a key role in helping him navigate academic decisions.
“From the first-year advisers to my degree adviser, they helped me never stress about any transition periods,” he said. “They made scheduling classes and moving from semester to semester so easy.”
Living on campus all four years also contributed to Raho’s growth beyond academics, teaching him how to manage daily responsibilities and build independence.
“I learned to manage myself in everyday life,” he said. “I make my own schedules, decisions, meals and all things that are part of everyday life as an adult.”
As graduation approaches, Raho said he will miss the overall campus experience.
“I love being here and using all of the things that are offered here like the student center and the gym,” he said.
Looking ahead, Raho encourages incoming students to take full advantage of their time in college.
“You get what you give in college,” he said. “Have fun and enjoy your time, but also use your time to develop yourself in a professional sense. Get internships, join clubs, and do things to build your resume to put yourself a step ahead of everyone else when the four years are over. They go a lot faster than you think they will.”