Skip to Main Content
The School Newspaper of Downey High School

The Downey Legend

The School Newspaper of Downey High School

The Downey Legend

The School Newspaper of Downey High School

The Downey Legend

Julissa Villalobos

Julissa Villalobos, Photo Editor

Ever since the trip to Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) with her grandma to an art exhibition, senior Julissa Villalobos has known that art is something she wanted to do for the rest of her life.After seen all those massive painting done by Latina women, Villabos was inspired to chase her dreams.

 

“Anything that anyone can express himself or herself with can be art really… from

Afros to oil paintings,” Villalobos said. “You don’t decide to be an artist you are born an artist.”

 

Growing up with a massive influence from her grandma who never shielded her from

the real world and never growning up . Villalobos was able to comprehend that art is not perfect and see that a color is more than just it’s literal meaning. She has constantly keept trying because she loves art so much she throws herself at it in hopes for the best.

 

Sarah Noel, best friend of Villalobos ever since the eighth grade talked about her close

friend with such admiration.

 

“It’s how she can unwind and really let herself be free,”

Noel said. “If you watch her when she’s doing something she loves whether it be

talking to her friends or working on her art, you can see that focus and passion in

her eyes… it’s really amazing.”

 

Art will always be a huge part of her life even if she chooses not to fully focus on it

after high school. Art allows her to create amazing things that will take your breath away,

that is why people who are close to her have all the confidence on the world that

one day she will go as far, as long as she believes in herself.

 

During Villalobos junior year she met the person who came to be her mentor, Mr. Rios

he, happened to grow up with the influence from his

father who was a painter himself. Mr. Rios was able to see all the potential Julissa

has.

 

“It’s palpable; like the way tension feels in a room, only hers is positive, excited. Her

eyes brighten up. It’s visceral. You can see that it occupies her fully,” Rios said.

“That’s the way it should be for any passion- is it’s not everything, it’s nothing.”

 

Villalobos passion for art goes beyond a simple “I like art.” For her it is a way of life,

something that when in a bad mood, it would instantly calm her down. She can see

 

behind the meaning of a simple object. Although she might or might not do it fully it

will always occupy a space in her heart. When talking to her she makes you want to

go out there to find what you love and for it for the rest of your life.

 

Soon to graduate, Villalobos plans her future exquisitely, just like any other she plans

to go to college, and continue to pursue her artistic aspirations no matter what the

future may bring whether it is struggles or achievements art will always fully

occupy her.

All content by Julissa Villalobos
After being nominated for the 2016 Senior Awards, Julie-Anne Angulo, 12, was one of the seniors called up for interviews that discussed scholarships in the Local Scholarship Program. “Most of them asked me things like ‘Tell me about yourself,’ and I was kind of thrown off because I didn’t know how to respond to that,” Angulo said. “I guess after that, our conversation was a more friendlier conversation because now we were talking.”

Senior Awards Night

Julissa Villalobos, Photo Editor
June 1, 2016
Eager to beat the Warren High Bears, the varsity boys volleyball team gets pumped on April 26 in the Downey High gym. The Vikes played well ending the first match 22-25.

[Photo] Vikings Routed by the Bears

Alyssa Vega, Arts and Entertainment Editor
April 29, 2016
Rockabilly and punk rock with a vintage 50’s vibe is the unique sound the Doo Rons create. The Doo Rons are now a four piece all girl-group ready to boast their femininity and play some good music anyone can enjoy.

[Photo] The Doo Rons

Alyssa Vega, Arts and Entertainment Editor
March 18, 2016
Mothers and children enjoyed each other’s company at the Stay Gallery on Friday February 12 at a Paint and Cookies event hosted by the Stay Gallery. “We just want parents to be able to connect with their kids though art,” Art Director and Curator Ana Godinez said about their goal for this event being achieved.

[Photo] Paint and Cookies

Alyssa Vega, Arts and Entertainment Editor
February 23, 2016
DSC_0909

[Photo] Banding Together

Alyssa Vega, Arts and Entertainment Editor
January 15, 2016
Downey High School’s girls soccer team begins their preseason on Thurs., Dec. 7 versus Long Beach Poly on their home turf: the Allen Layne Stadium. The varsity Lady Vikes pulled through the game with a strong tie and are looking forward to victories this season.

[Photo] No Maybes

Alyssa Vega, Arts and Entertainment Editor
December 14, 2015

Warning! Micro Beads Inside

Julissa Villalobos, Photo Editor
December 8, 2015
Downey High Student, Brittany Reynoso, has begun to study for the SAT trying to learn what she can to achieve a good score on the upcoming SAT. “After senior year I plan to attend a four year college in San Diego, specifically San Diego State where I want to study business.”

[Photo] Studying for Better SAT Scores

Alyssa Vega, Arts and Entertainment Editor
October 21, 2015
Load More Stories
Activate Search
Julissa Villalobos