I met up with Josh in the basement of the Lockwood Library. He had his laptop in the middle, a water bottle on his right and Starbucks (a must have for anyone as busy as this guy) on his right. I caught him mid e-mail, wearing glasses and staring intently at his laptop, responding to one of the 22 international clubs on campus that he is in charge of.
Born Joshua Mari Racho in Manila, Philippines, he moved around a bit as a child going from the Philippines to Vietnam to Indonesia. Racho came to America at the age of 18 without a huge grasp on the American culture or the English language. Before deciding on the University at Buffalo, he entertained offers from colleges in Vancouver, London and Melbourne. Despite these lucrative opportunities, he chose America in hopes of acquiring what he calls “the typical college experience”, a concept pieced together from various movies and television shows (such as Greek). As a freshman, Racho wasted no time getting involved. He started off by becoming a member of FASA, the Filipino American Student Association and AASU, the Asian American Student Union. After one year as a member, he ran for an e-board position and became the new Cultural Chair of FASA.
As Cultural Chair, he educated people on Filipino culture through many mediums, such as a play he wrote and directed for Barrio (an annual showcase put on by FASA). From then on he was hooked; he became interested in the other international clubs on campus and built relationships with them as well. After being President of FASA his junior year, he set his sights on becoming the International Council Coordinator (ICC) and succeeded, although there was never any question he wouldn’t. His go-getter attitude is the driving force behind his work ethic. He never feels he has too much on his plate, and unlike those who might become overwhelmed, his support system helps him never lose sight of his goals. Aside from international clubs, Joshua became a part of Sub-Board Incorporated (SBI) as a marketing assistant his sophomore year and from there was promoted, a seemingly constant theme, to Planning Development Director ; Racho was even offered Vice President of SBI his senior year but choose to decline to devote more of his attention the ICC.
A truly cultured individual, he has traveled to over 15 countries, France, Germany, Canada, China, Thailand and Greece, just to name a few, is fluent in three languages (Filipino, Indonesian, and English) and working on his fourth (Spanish). Despite already knowing Racho from working together, as I sat to discuss his current position as International Council Coordinator I was reminded how passionate he is about everything he does and how purpose driven he is. As a senior, his aspirations are no less ambitious than they were his freshman year.
Dressed in a tank top, khaki colored shorts, a Fossil watch on his left hand, and Sperry’s on his feet, his relaxed and casual demeanor set the tone for the rest of our conversation.
Saron Berhe (SB): “So you are well traveled, speak multiple languages, and ambitious. I have to ask, what’s your relationship status?”
Joshua Racho (JP): “Haha unfortunately, single.”
SB: “Haha well I’m sure there are many people who will not think that’s unfortunate! So tell me a little bit about yourself. Where are you from?”
JP: “I was born in Manila, which is in the Philippines, but I grew up in Indonesia.”
SB: “Do you have any siblings?”
JP: “Yes, I have two brothers, both older than me. My oldest brother is currently at UCLA and my middle brother is in Shanghai, China.”
SB: “So I know you have traveled to many places and you’ve lived in a few of those places for a while. Where is home to you?”
JP: “Home is a hard concept but despite having grown up in Indonesia, in terms of where my family is, the Philippines is home.”
SB: “What is your major?”
JP: “I’m a business major with a triple concentration in marketing, supply chain management and international studies.”
SB: “Wow, that’s quite ambitious! Why business?”
JP: “Well I actually wanted to be a singer, but my father wouldn’t hear of it so I began to become interested in music business because it was the most versatile.”
SB: “What do you want to do with your degree?”
JP: “I plan to eventually go into law. However, I am also interested in fashion. I’d like to be able to work in various fashion houses as a merchandising manager or work in market research of what consumers want in clothing in regards to clothing technology.”
SB: “What is something in fashion right now that you feel is not mainstream enough in terms of men’s fashion?”
JP: “Well there has been a new trend for men, which is a weekender bag. It’s basically a stylish duffel bag, which can hold up to three days worth of stuff. It’s very fashion forward and masculine. I think it’s not yet as well known, as it should be.”
SB: “All right, well let’s get into the main reason you were selected as our campus celebrity. What drew you to the position of ICC?”
JP: “I became very fond of the international clubs and I felt that I had something to offer each one. I liked being a part of FASA and AASU when I first started out and I felt that I had insight, which could be useful in making each of these clubs the best version of themselves. I also love challenges and moving up. After having been the president of FASA I felt that this was the next step. It’s a new realm and unfamiliar but I feel confident that skills I have picked up from previous positions will help.”
SB: “What do you do as ICC?”
JP: “I overlook and manage 22 international clubs. I am an administrative person for the most part, making sure that every E-board upholds the expectations and standards of SA. I try my best to help each club achieve their goals”
SB: “What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing you?”
JP: “The biggest challenge is trying to get E-boards to work together. There has been a growing disconnect between old and new e-boards in that they don’t talk and so the incoming e-board has no idea what is required of them. My biggest challenge is trying to track people down in order to help them.”
SB: “What is the best thing about your position?”
JP: “It has many challenges! There is no one-way of solving things and I need to remain quick on my feet. I like solving issues and this position challenges my ability to problem solve.”
SB: “So it seems like you’re the kind of person that takes on a lot all the time! That has got to take a toll, how do you manage?”
JP: “I have been blessed with many supporters. My e-boards from FASA, my best friend Jonathan and my close friends have always been a great support system. My parents, Lito and Tenette, are also great supporters of what I do and while there are times when I don’t get to talk to them for long periods of time due to time differences or my busy schedule, they are always there for me.”
SB: “What do you do for relaxation?”
JP: “I’ve really gotten into swimming as a way to clear my mind and get my exercise in. I really enjoy being in the water and just being able to get away from it all. I also enjoy watching television or spending time with my friends, something that I wish I had more time for.”
SB: “What’s your favorite television show?”
JP: “That’s difficult, but my favorite TV show of all time would have to be friends, it’s a classic!”
SB: “What are your post-graduation plans?”
JP: “Right now my family and I are planning a vacation in which we will travel to France and Germany.”
SB: “Sounds like a dream vacation! What do you plan to do school wise once your undergraduate career ends?”
JP: “While my undergraduate years ending is a pretty scary thought; I plan on attending law school in, hopefully, Europe.”
SB: “Why Europe?”
JP: “A degree from Europe in law allows for a greater ability to practice law.”
SB: “What type of law would you like to practice?”
JP: “I’m interested in contract, intellectual property, and torts law.”
SB: “Looking back to your freshman year, any regrets or things you wish you had done?”
JP: “I wish I had joined Greek life but as for regretting any decisions I made, no. I am happy with every decision I made and how my 4 years at college have played out.”
SB: “Lastly, what is some advice you have for incoming freshman?”
JP: “Well all I would have to say is, and not to just freshman but everyone, always push yourself and take a risk. People always win or lose. If you take a risk and you win big then you will succeed and see the world, and if you take a risk and lose big then you will gain knowledge.”