Schuylkill Speaks! Graduating Student Profiles: Arabi Chavira
Editor's note: This story is part of a series profiling exceptional members of Penn State Schuylkill’s graduating class. For more stories like Chavira's, visit Schuylkill Speaks! The series is written by Renee Paetzell, a fourth-year Penn State Schuylkill student majoring in human resources with a minor in corporate communications.
SCHUYLKILL, Pa. – Coming from a large high school with a graduating class of over 850 students, Arabi Chavira wanted a smaller setting when selecting her college. Chavira said that Penn State Schuylkill was more cost-effective, safely located, and provides a family community. Little did Chavira know at the time that she had made the right choice in the planning phase of her journey.
While attending Penn State Schuylkill, Chavira threw herself into taking on a hands-on approach to get the most out of her college experience. She became involved with Tri-Beta, Lion Ambassador, Student Initiated Fee Committee, Schuylkill Benefitting Thon, Blue & White Society, Co-op, Health Medical Professions Club, Penn State Schuylkill Habitat for Humanity Campus Chapter and the Beekeeping Club.
“These clubs have shaped me as a student leader and allowed me to fully embrace my major and connect with students every year I’ve been here. They’ve also allowed me to grow with Penn State Schuylkill,” Chavira said.
Even with her involvement in campus activities, Chavira said, her top priority is her academic goals. In pursuing her degree to become a forensic pathologist/medical examiner, Chavira received support from faculty and staff, including Brenna Traver, Lucas Redmond, Bryan Valentine, Jonathan Kukta, Kate Zimmerman and Abbigael Kaiser.
“My time at Penn State Schuylkill has been diverse and each member has done extreme measures in my time here,” Chavira said.
Before graduating, Chavira had many memorable moments at Penn State Schuylkill, including participating in THON weekend with her roommates —a 46-hour, no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon. Also, from her first to third year of college, she interned at the Schuylkill County Coroner’s Office, gaining a hands-on experience and valuable career guidance from Albert Barnes.
“If it were not for this internship, I would not be knowledgeable about my future career path now, and I actually would have gone down the wrong path to get there,” Chavira said. “He [Barnes] helped tell me what was required for the job, saving me time and money. That faculty turned into family.”
As graduation approaches, Chavira’s journey serves as a testament to the transformative potential of hard work and campus involvement. Guided by supportive mentors and a passion for her field, she has made a name for herself and will continue to do so in her career.
Q: Outside of academics, what was the most valuable lesson you learned?
Chavira: Your path through college is completely your own. Do not compare yourself to other students in your major or to your friends. Everyone’s path through college is different and everyone around you is here to get you to the next step in your life. You will get to where you want when YOU get there.
Q: What will you miss most about campus?
Chavira: The friend group I’ve made here became my family and we have supported each other every year. I will also miss the feeling of being comfortable and always around someone who can help.
Q: As a Penn State Schuylkill graduate, what advice would you give to an incoming student?
Chavira: Be yourself, be flexible, be confident, and don’t be scared to ask for help.
