Rodas Hailu, Co-Editor-in-Chief of The Downey Legend, leads the 2013-2014 staff into a busy and exciting year, introducing them to the journalistic world and all its wonders. The writer and photographer first entered the online newspaper as a junior, landing the position of Student Life Editor and turned heads when her stories revealed a seemingly natural instinct for investigative journalism. One year in newspaper left Hailu craving more: a position of leadership where she could let her ideas flourish and create a more successful website. As this year’s editor, she hopes to lead her team into greatness and provide a comfortable workspace. According to the senior, there is no room for mediocrity in the online newspaper. “I don’t want the writers and photographers to be apathetic at all,” Hailu said. “If they are in The Downey Legend, they are in The Downey Legend.” Full force and with great efforts, the talented student hopes to heighten the newspaper’s popularity and implement new ideas, hopefully capturing a new, wider audience.   The senior, who is often described as an old soul, admires classical music and is moved by each powerful note in pieces composed by Prokofiev, Shostakovich, and Khatchaturian. A violinist of 7 years, her appreciation for works of art extends to cinema, and claims to be an avid movie watcher. “I really love to watch movies with a good script, amazing characters, and wonderful cinematography,” Hailu said. With a sixth sense for different forms of human creativity, she hopes to become a student in a liberal arts college and experience the intimacy of a less populated university. The future awaits Hailu, a force to be reckoned with in the arts field, and she predicts she will be living on her own because of her “innate independence.” Living day by day and constantly telling herself, “whatever happens, happens,” she tunnels her focus on The Downey Legend and its future success. A true leader with a mind coiled with layers of depth, Hailu reveals bits and pieces of her vision through her various works or art, photographs and stories.

Mileena Sosa is 17 years old and is a photographer for The Downey Legend. Although she is now a senior, her photographic interest began in her eighth grade year. She would like to continue her path with photography with the hopes of attending an art school that will guide her towards her dream job as a catalog photographer. “I like to take pictures of nature and I also like to take pictures of people to capture their expressions,” Sosa said. Getting a shot that exceeds her audience’s expectations is Sosa’s goal because of her dedication to photography. “One of my biggest worries is that I won’t be able to capture the right moment on camera,” Sosa said. The root of her inspiration primarily originates from versatile forms of artwork that catch her eye.   She enjoys running and video game and another spunky perk about her is her fascination for zombies. The art of music is very important to her, as she is a former percussionist. Her favorite music genres vary from heavy metal to indie folk. Balancing her schoolwork is a main priority to her because it is the foundation of her desired future, and she has high expectations for herself and works efficiently to reach her goals. Newspaper is more than happy to supply her with the proper foundation for her future success in photography.