[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 95 (Friday, June 8, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E812]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





  HONORING MR. RAFAEL BARBOZA ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AS A 
           GUIDANCE COUNSELOR AT COACHELLA VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RAUL RUIZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 8, 2018

  Mr. RUIZ.  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Rafael 
Barboza on his retirement after more than 30 years of service as a 
guidance counselor for the students of Coachella Valley High School.
  For more than 30 years, Mr. Barboza has spearheaded Coachella Valley 
High School's efforts to make attending college a reality, leading 
college application workshops and connecting students with financial 
aid and scholarship opportunities. He has influenced countless 
students' lives, and our entire community is grateful for his 
dedication and commitment to the next generation of leaders.
  When I was a student at Coachella Valley High, my goal was to one day 
attend medical school and become a doctor. That dream often felt very 
far away, and at times, I wondered whether it might just be a fantasy. 
If it wasn't for the support and encouragement of my teachers and 
counselors, especially Mr. Barboza, I do not know whether I would have 
achieved my lifelong dream of becoming a physician.
  Mr. Barboza was my guidance counselor and mentor, as he has been for 
thousands of Coachella students over the years. Few people have had 
such a positive impact on my life. Mr. Barboza drove me to become a 
better student and a better person. He taught me the value of hard 
work, integrity, and perseverance.
  Like myself, many students in my congressional district aspire to 
pursue a higher education, but often struggle to afford the application 
fees, tuition, textbooks, and many other expenses. When the time came 
for me to apply for college, and money was tight at home, Mr. Barboza 
paid for my application, as I'm sure he has done for others. Without 
his generosity, the first step in my journey towards becoming a doctor 
would never have been possible.
  Mr. Barboza has also lent his voice to local and national 
conversations about the rising cost of higher education. As someone on 
the front lines of our public school system, I hope he will continue to 
enrich this discussion with his insights.
  In recognition of the positive impact he has had on my life, and the 
lives of countless students and alumni of Coachella Valley High School, 
it was my privilege to host Mr. Barboza as my guest for President 
Barack Obama's 2015 State of the Union Address.
  Now, on the eve of his retirement, I am honored to congratulate my 
counselor and mentor, Mr. Rafael Barboza, on his well-earned retirement 
and wish him health and happiness in this new chapter of life.

                          ____________________