[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 76 (Monday, May 18, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E735-E736]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING JOSHUE LEYVA FOR HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND UNWAVERING DEDICATION 
           TO SERVING HIS COMMUNITY AND THE COACHELLA VALLEY

                                  _____
                                 

                             HON. RAUL RUIZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 18, 2015

  Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Mr. 
Joshue Leyva, a mature young pre-medical student. Joshue's talent, 
integrity, dedication and passion for community service are indications 
that he unquestionably will fulfill his goal of becoming a doctor and 
serve the underserved communities of the Coachella Valley.
  Joshue, a second generation immigrant, is a shining example of how 
migrant families contribute to and make our great nation stronger.

[[Page E736]]

When Joshue's family arrived in the U.S. in 1980, they came with 
nothing, searching for a new beginning and a better life for their 
children. Overcoming hardship through hard work, their son Joshue 
became the first in his family to graduate from a university, my own 
alma mater, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
  Despite his young age, Joshue has an extensive list of 
accomplishments. He was one of the first student participants in the 
Future Physician Leaders (FPL) mentorship program, created to address 
the physician shortage crisis in our communities. In 2011 Joshue 
showcased his leadership, becoming the founder of ``A Healthier 
Future,'' a community outreach program to provide health education and 
medical screenings to the most vulnerable populations in the Coachella 
Valley. He was also a lead research and volunteer coordinator for the 
Coachella Valley Healthcare Initiative. Joshue's dedication to 
community service also crossed national borders when he became a 
volunteer for the Ministerio de Salud, a program that every year gives 
free medical care to vulnerable populations in the city of Guadalajara, 
Mexico.
  Joshue Leyva has been an integral and essential part of my District 
staff, committed to excellence in public service for the betterment of 
our communities. As he leaves my office to pursue his dreams--an 
American Dream--I wish him well and look forward to reading about his 
future accomplishments.

                          ____________________