Barbara, who is fluent in Spanish, was able to help Raphael with English, as he was born in Mexico, and had only recently moved to Delaware with his family. When they first met, Raphael was struggling with learning English and adjusting to his new home. Barb saw great potential in this young boy. After several years of mentoring Raphael weekly at school, Barbara decided that she wanted to be able to spend more time with her Little Brother and she transitioned into the BBBS community-based program.
Barbara says "it has been easy to include Raphael in her life". They enjoyed many different activities together and even established a few traditions of their own, like picking out Barbara's Christmas tree together. As a local middle school teacher, Barbara has many times invited Raphael into her classroom to help with projects, and he has met many of her students. Over the years, she came to know and love Raphael's family as well. Barbara and her husband include Raphael's parents and siblings in their family functions and vice versa. Barbara states that Raphael's family has always been supportive of the BBBS program, and they have spoken openly about Raphael's future.
Barbara has seen many positive changes in Raphael. When she first met him he struggled with reading and writing in English. By middle school, he was earning top honors. Barb says that Raphael is very well mannered and kind. She knows that he helps out the older people in his neighborhood and makes good decisions and choices when it comes to friends and school. She is extremely proud of him and is quick to say that he is a great kid - but she "can not take the credit for how cool he is!"
When asking Raphael in a recent conversation, what changes had taken place in his life since he has known Barb, he said: "Barbara has helped me by introducing me to more people. She has encouraged me to go farther and to work hard to get better grades to get into college. I know that I can call her when I need advice, or am struggling to make a decision."
Barbara and Rafael's match officially closed when he turned eighteen years old. However, as far as Barbara and Rafael are concerned, this is not the end of their friendship, it is merely a milestone. As for right now, Barbara is currently working with Rafael to obtain his American Citizenship and enroll in college. One can only wonder where Rafael would be today had he not had Barbara's guidance and support. She taught him to set and achieve goals and helped him to see all he could be.
Rafael will be the first person in his family to go to college. Barbara will be there for his graduation.