Five Questions with Nurse Laura

Roy Mendoza, Co-Editor-in-Chief/Copy Editor

May 8, 2012

Q1: What is your professional background?

A1: I went to Cal State San Bernardino for my Bachelors in nursing. From there, I went to Cal State Long Beach for my Health Credential, which is what I needed to work as the Downey High School nurse. Eventually, I went back to school to get a Masters degree as a nurse practitioner.

Q2: As the school nurse, what kind of activities are you in charge of?

A2: I attend to the ill and injured students, and I’m the one in charge of keeping all their immunization records properly filed. Once the new school year comes around, I also help out with student enrollment.

Q3: What would you say is one of the memorable moments you’ve experienced during your career?

A3: I’ve actually seen a variety of interesting situations as the school nurse. We’ve had cases where kids come in with broken bones, extreme pains, and even students who have come in just to talk to about certain things.

Q4: Have you ever had any frightful incidents?

A4: There was this one kid that came in with a broken leg bone. At first it didn’t seem so bad, but once I saw his leg, I stood in awe. His bone was completely sticking out.

Q5: How has nursing influenced you personally?

A5: You can say it changes my life constantly. There are so many changes every year among the students, and being the nurse keeps me informed in what it is kids are doing.

About the Contributor

Roy Mendoza, Co-Editor-in-Chief/Copy Editor

Roy Mendoza is quite the multitasker. Not only is he a senior with a full schedule at Downey High, he is also mentoring his freshman sister, and has taken on the double duty of Co-Editor-in-Chief and Copy Editor of The Downey Legend. The busy student found his interest in writing during his middle school years and always sought to improve his skills as a reader and writer. He continued with this skill along to high school where, as a sophomore, he was offered a chance to be a part of history in the making by joining Downey High’s first ever Online Newspaper staff. Taken aback by the offer, he accepted, and two years later, he is glad he did because Mendoza holds a position now that has only ever been held once. “I feel so honored to have a double position,” the ambitious writer said. “I know sometimes the stress might get to me, but I have my Co-Copy Editor behind me at all times, and I need to be behind my E.I.C. one-hundred percent. I have her back completely, and I know she has mine because we’re the team captains, along with the Photo Editor. We have to set an example.” Mendoza is glad to have met and surpassed his goal to stay on the staff of The Downey Legend for the rest of his high school years, and plans to attend the University of California: Berkley after two years at Cal State Long Beach. He hopes the skills he has learned throughout his time in newspaper stay with him, as he wishes to be a reporter for The New York Times. Mendoza is proud of his position on staff, but he also makes time for friends and family as well. On the weekends, one can usually catch this teenager at popular local hang out spots with friends. One thing is for sure: there is much in store for this motivated yet humble individual.