Congressman Xavier Becerra Stresses College at Bernstein High Visit

It is not every day that a congressman drops by a school, but that is exactly what happened Wednesday at Bernstein High School.

Congressman Xavier Becerra (D-Los Angeles) paid a visit to the students to talk to them about his work and give them the opportunity to ask him questions.

One of the things Becerra, a first-generation college graduate, stressed the most was the importance of getting an education.

“I’m a member of Congress because I went to college,” he told the students. “My parents had to work about 15 years to make what my wife and I make in one month.”

Becerra said his father, who worked in construction, had only a sixth-grade education. Despite this, Becerra found his way to Stanford University and then went on to graduate from Stanford Law School. His wife is a doctor. He said when he is back home in his district, it is important to him to talk with students about his experiences.

“I see myself in them,” he said.

Becerra made an impression on U.S. history student Yahydia Iliguez. The 11th-grader asked him why money is being taken away from schools leading to teachers layoffs. In response, Becerra led Iliguez in a mock exercise in which she pretended she was a member of Congress debating the opposing side of the issue. Iliguez said the experience made her think in ways she hadn’t before.

“It was fun,” she said. “He didn’t answer my question completely, but it made me kind of want to be a congresswoman to voice the people’s opinion. I wanted to be a doctor before, so this was eye opening.”

Iliguez said she is considering applying to Stanford.

“This is a good forum for them to be able to voice concerns not just about the school but about the community as a whole,” said Greg Brimer, who teaches government and history. “This is their immediate connection to Washington, D.C.”

Bernstein High School Principal Angela Hewlett-Bloch said she is grateful Becerra took the time to visit the school because so many of the kids can relate to his story.

“He comes from humble beginnings like the rest of us, and I think that’s a good message for the students,” she said. “He’s an excellent role model for the students.”

Becerra has served in Congress for 19 years and is one of 12 members to be appointed to what some call the "Super Congress" or the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction. He said he is proud yet humbled by what he has accomplished. He said he hopes the students realize the potential they have.

“You all are the future leaders of this country, and there is no reason why the dream you have for yourself is not achievable,” Becerra said. “Do me a favor and have fun in college, and then the sky’s the limit.”