Meet Lauren Rodriguez, first year writer and senior, known by everyone as Lola. Rodriguez joined The Downey Legend staff because her grandfather, who is also a journalist, inspired her to. She looked up to him when she was younger because they are similar in many ways. They both like to write, enjoy history, and dislike the same food, such as ketchup and rice. She also joined because writing is something she feels she is good at. Rodriguez has been published many times in an award-winning anthology, through various writing workshops; she has been involved in this since the 8^th grade.   Rodriguez enjoys politics and campaigning. She also enjoys community service, attending concerts, and taking pictures with her instant camera. She hopes that in the next few years, she will have graduated from a good college, such as Berkley, UCLA, UCSB, or UCSD, and will be working for a newspaper, such as The LA Times, and will be living in her own apartment in Downtown Los Angeles or San Francisco. “It’s like the eyes of the school,” Rodriguez said when asked what she likes about newspaper. “It’s our jobs as writers to find out what’s going on in the school and tell people things they don’t know about.” She hopes that being part of The Downey Legend will give her a newfound confidence in her writing, and she hopes to gain new friends through this experience.

Continuing her passion for photography, senior Gissel Enriquez joins The Downey Legend for her second year with hopes of contributing newsworthy events for the 2013-2014 school year. As a photographer, her interest sparked from the first moment she captured a photo as an eight-year-old child. “It’s amazing how you can take a picture and it brings thousands of memories with just one shot,” Enriquez said. “I just have a passion for photography.” Her enthusiasm for photography is evident as she decides to improve her skills and learn new things from the newspaper staff. Her junior year at The Downey Legend has enabled her to expand her knowledge and alleviate the stress from honors and AP classes. This aspiring photographer joined in order to capture the daily moments of high school and bring awareness to the online newspaper. Since joining the team, she has gained confidence in herself as well as in her art. With her goals set high and hardworking mindset, Enriquez is sure to dedicate her time with the aim of succeeding as a member of the online newspaper and as a Downey High School student. While photography remains one her favorite hobbies, she also enjoys roller skating around her neighborhood and constantly listening to bands like The Smiths. Enriquez loves spending time with her family, especially her best friends: Yasmin Alvizures and Joy Eskander, and going to Yogurtland on her free time. With her future set, this outgoing photographer plans to travel around the world after graduating from a four year university. Wherever her journey leads her, her passion for photography will remain at heart.