[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 179 (Tuesday, October 12, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1092]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING ERICA ALFARO AS CONSTITUENT OF THE MONTH

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                            HON. MIKE LEVIN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 12, 2021

  Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to 
recognize an inspiring motivational speaker and first-generation 
American in my community, Erica Alfaro, as my September Constituent of 
the Month. Erica was born in Fresno, California, and spent much of her 
childhood in Tijuana. Her mother, Teresa, a farm worker, and her 
father, Claudio, a landscaper, moved the family to Oceanside when Erica 
was 13 to provide Erica with educational opportunities that were never 
available to them.
  Upon arrival in Oceanside, Erica and her family moved into a two-
bedroom apartment with another family, where a total of 11 people 
shared the small space. Erica recalls accompanying her mother to the 
fields and listening to her mother describe education as a means to 
achieve a better life.
  After becoming a mother herself at 15 years old and dropping out of 
high school, Erica would eventually receive her high school diploma 
through a home school program and enroll in classes at MiraCosta 
College. During this time, Erica balanced an extremely heavy workload 
that included a full-time job, full-time classwork, and full-time 
motherhood. When her son was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Erica's 
grades began to slide, forcing her to temporarily suspend her academic 
dreams. Through this all, Erica persisted.
  Determined to complete the education her parents desperately desired 
for her, Erica would eventually receive an associate's degree from 
MiraCosta College, a bachelor's degree from California State University 
San Marcos, and a master's degree from San Diego State University.
  Erica has endured hardship and inspired hope, and she stands today as 
a model of perseverance. Her story has touched people from all walks of 
life, and she continues to motivate others as an in-demand motivational 
speaker. In addition to her speaking engagements--and her ongoing role 
as a devoted mother--Erica currently works in the Human Resources 
Department of the West Coast Tomato Growers in Oceanside, where she in 
forms farmworkers of their rights. In celebration of Erica's 
achievements and Hispanic Heritage Month, I'm proud to honor Erica 
Alfaro as my September Constituent of the Month.

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