5 Questions with Helen Hampton

Lauren Rodriguez, Writer/Student Life Editor|May 6, 2014

Dedicated volunteer and go-go boot fanatic, Helen Hampton, gives insight on her positive outlook and years assisting Downey High School in the records office.

Q1: How long have you been a volunteer at Downey High School?

A: I’ve come at least 2 days a week for what I’ve decided has been 15 years.

Q2: Of all schools, why did you choose Downey High School?

A: A friend of mine was a friend of the school’s [former] principal, Allen Layne; she knew him ‘cause they belonged to the same church, so she started with me and then I continued on my own.

Q3: What do you like to do when you’re not volunteering at Downey High?

A: I volunteer at Downey hospital, sing at nursing homes and I’m writing my life story.

Q4: How do you stay so energetic? Does your family have a history of living long?

A: I count my blessings every morning. No, my mother died at 84 and my father died at 63; I never thought I’d make it past the 84.

Q5: How long have you been wearing your go-go boots?

A: At least 20 years – probably more.

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About the Contributors

Lauren Rodriguez, Writer/Student Life Editor

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.

Gissel Enriquez, Photographer

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.