[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. ____________________