Senior Sophie Prettyman is starting her first year as a writer for The Downey Legend. Prettyman has wanted to join Newspaper since her sophomore year, but was unable to because she did not have room in her schedule. Prettyman is the clarinet co-section leader for the marching band and is also a tutor in the Writing Center, a place for sophomores to come and receive the help they need in their English classes. Labeling herself as shy, Prettyman hopes Newspaper will help her to become not only a better writer, but more sociable. “I’m shy until you get to know me, then you wish you didn’t,” Prettyman said. Prettyman enjoys writing and English and has decided to try out journalism for the first time to learn more about writing apart from the normal essays written in class.

In her spare time, Prettyman enjoys listening to music, shopping for vintage clothes, and watching Wes Anderson movies. Music is one of her favorite things amongst vinyl records, sarcasm, and cats. Prettyman enjoys listening to punk, indie, garage, surf rock, and alternative music and is also teaching herself how to play bass. Prettyman is also interested in comedy shows, would love to start doing more comedy, and would one day love to try stand-up comedy. A dream of Prettyman’s is to work in the film industry as a director, a screenwriter, become an English professor, or a veterinarian. Prettyman hopes this year in newspaper will not only make her a better writer, but will be a new and fun experience as she explores journalism for the first time.