Political Quotes

“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 School, 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 come true. 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 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 me, 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.…”