One of Extension's Rising Stars

Rafael Barajas

Our catalog may appear to be filled with classes, but if you look at it through a different lens, you'll see that it is also filled with opportunities.

Allow me to introduce you to Rafael Barajas, Superintendent of Hacienda Golf Club in La Habra Heights. Rafael, one of 14 brothers and sisters, moved to the United States from Mexico in 1978. One of his brothers gave him his first job on a grounds crew at a golf course in 1980. Over the years he worked hard and was promoted until he eventually reached his goal of becoming a superintendent.

Despite achieving that goal, in 1997 Rafael enrolled in UCR Extension's Turfgrass Management Certificate Program and earned his certificate two years later.

"I don't have a formal education," Rafael said. "Before we did things because it worked, but now I know why. I understand things like the chemistry involved. I am a much better manager now."

He worked full-time while taking Extension classes. "It's not easy to drive 30 or 40 miles after work to get to a class, but dragging yourself there—making the effort—was worth it. In my industry, a certificate from UCR Extension is respected."

Rafael is a big believer in education. "I feel that if you don't continue your education, you are going to fall behind. Things change in our field dramatically."

The Diamond Bar resident also had another important reason for taking the Extension classes—his four children. "I also did it to show my kids that you can do anything if you put the time and effort into it. I would show them my grades. I used it as a motivation for them." His biggest goal right now is to put all of his children through college, no matter what the costs.

I believe Rafael's inspiring story is an example of someone who has realized the opportunities for personal and professional growth that we offer throughout the year.

As you look at the opportunities contained in this catalog, please note that during Summer 2002 we will continue the successful "intensive" institutes that allow students to immerse themselves into an area of study and take courses offered in a condensed format. For example, you can earn the entire Geographic Information Systems Certificate or the Certificate in Dispute Resolution in July and August.

Other intensive programs allow you to make accelerated progress, often in just two weeks, toward a certificate. These programs include: Educational Facilities Planning, Chief Business Officials, Microsoft Office, and Cisco Networking and Router Configuration. For teachers, we offer summer intensive programs in Advanced Placement and Multiple Intelligences.

I plan to feature an Extension student like Rafael every quarter in this space. If you are a UCR Extension student with a story to tell or know of someone who is, please send us an e-mail to studentsuccess@ucx.ucr.edu. If you don't have e-mail, call (951) 827-1633. Share your story with us and inspire others to realize their aspirations.

John F. Azzaretto
Vice Chancellor, Public Service and
International Programs; and
Dean, University Extension and
Summer Sessions, UC Riverside