Club Rush: Presidents Interviews
February 21, 2022
About the Writers
Eliseo Payan, Photographer / Videographer
Entering his first year in The Downey Legend, Eliseo Payan, 12, an extroverted and outgoing individual who enjoys making jokes, talking to people, and lightening the mood, Payan is ready to put his best effort into what he loves most; photography. Photography instantly became one of his passions as he was able to capture the environment around him and turn it into art. Though photography is one of his passions, he also enjoys many other hobbies, such as painting, singing, and acting. Although he is unsure of his major, he strives to go to college and get a career with as much creative freedom as possible to express and explore his creativity.
As someone who is very passionate about their hobbies, Payan enjoys many activities that include interacting with the world around him. “My main passion is photography and capturing the beauty of the world around me no matter how simple it may be, there is always something- a meaning behind it,” Payan stated. “The unique thing about photography is how you can take anything through the lense of a camera and keep it forever. The Downey Legend was the perfect opportunity to take advantage of what I like most and show it to my community.”
As someone who is very passionate about their hobbies, Payan enjoys many activities that include interacting with the world around him. “My main passion is photography and capturing the beauty of the world around me no matter how simple it may be, there is always something- a meaning behind it,” Payan stated. “The unique thing about photography is how you can take anything through the lense of a camera and keep it forever. The Downey Legend was the perfect opportunity to take advantage of what I like most and show it to my community.”
Jezabel Perez, Podcaster
As she enters her third year in Newspaper, podcaster Jezabel Perez, 12, plans on graduating and attending San Diego State University to become more independent but not too far from home. Perez plans to study to become a Social Worker to pursue a career in which she demonstrates her kindness and desire to help others. While in The Downey Legend, Perez hopes to sharpen her listening skills that will also benefit her down her career path.
Perez finds joy in being a podcaster as she loves to talk and hear other people’s stories and tell it in a unique way other than writing. “If I’m not doing something meaningful and making a difference then what is the point? I want to leave this world knowing that I made a difference” Perez explained.
Perez finds joy in being a podcaster as she loves to talk and hear other people’s stories and tell it in a unique way other than writing. “If I’m not doing something meaningful and making a difference then what is the point? I want to leave this world knowing that I made a difference” Perez explained.
Jonathan Velasquez (He/him), Podcaster
Although it felt as if his junior year was taken from him, Jonathan Velasquez, 12, joins The Downey Legend staff as an all-rounder who hopes to dabble in photography, writing, and podcasting. He works hard for his success and hopes to major in accounting and business as he shows interest in schools like UCLA and Cal State Fullerton. Velasquez joined the staff with prior experience in videography as he participated in Skills USA in the past. Velasquez describes himself as an organized and caring person as he is always putting forth his best efforts in all forms of media in the newsroom. He hopes to make his last year in DHS worthwhile and chose to be involved with The Downey Legend to stay updated and make an overall memorable year.
When asked about his hard working mindset, Velasquez shared his life motto that he lives by, “Whatever you do, do it all the way; one hundred percent.”