Leaving the past behind

Monique Munoz

On February 12, Mr. Jones tells the story about why he is going to retire next school year, in room B-210. “If you don’t learn from your students, you’re really not doing your job,” Mr. Jones said.

Gabriela Sanchez, Arts and Entertainment Editor
February 14, 2013

After dedicating over 30 years to the students of Downey High School, government teacher Reggie Jones is on his way to retirement, leaving behind memories and hoping to have made an impact on his students after all his years of teaching.

Jones took an interest in teaching and soon realized that becoming an educator would best suit him. The government teacher began taking classes and grasped at the opportunity to work with junior high students to gain experience. Sophomore year of college rolled right around the corner, and Jones no longer had a doubt left in his mind; teaching was what he was meant to do.

“I wanted to go back to high school,” Jones said. “High school was the best time of my life, so I thought, ‘How do I get back there?’”

Reggie Jones finally landed a position on the Downey High School staff in 1981, and began his life as an instructor.

It has been more than thirty years since young Jones made the decision to jump back into high school and the experienced school teacher reflects on what he is going to miss most after retiring next year.

“There’s going to be so much to miss,” Jones said. “I’m going to miss the fact that the kids keep us young and I’m also going to definitely miss the staff here.”

Fellow colleague and economics teacher, Bernie Glasser shares his thoughts on his longtime friend and how his missing presence will be felt.

“We’re all going to miss his jokes, sense of humor, and knowledge,” Glasser said.

Indeed, the B-210 teacher is known for his humorous tactics and famous story telling, including his favorite one to tell, how he met his wife.

Arlene Sanchez, 11, shares thoughts about Jones and how other students speak about their government teacher.

“All I ever hear from his students is how funny his stories are,” Sanchez said. “I think that’s what he’s most known for.”

Although Jones will no longer be able to share his stories and teach after his retirement, he is happy that he has been an impact on his students after all these years.

“We as teachers are fortunate to have an influence on the upcoming generation, not a lot but just a little bit,” Jones said.

With the job, also came life-changing lessons where students provided Jones with their own insight.

“You never quit learning as a teacher, there’s always something you learn,” Jones said. “It’s unbelievable.”

Jones, although leaving Downey High School, leaves behind his legacy of famous story telling, and having filled the days of his students with humor and knowledge.

About the Contributors

Gabriela Sanchez, Arts and Entertainment Editor

Writer Gabby Sanchez enters The Downey Legend staff with high hopes and a career oriented state of mind. She has been chosen to take on the position as Arts & Entertainment Editor, a position not so easily conquered. Using her skills as a writer she hopes to attract more readers to the arts Downey High School has to offer. Sanchez decided to join the online publication in order to gain insight in journalism. “I wanted to see if this was something I could be able to do as a career,” Sanchez said. For this aspiring journalist, her work has only just begun.

The editor had never seen her future predicted this way; moving from Peru at the age of three limited her English, proving difficult for her to adjust to the new language. “During elementary, I was bad at English, but its something I later improved in,” Sanchez said. She not only improved in a foreign language, but she also grew to like the challenge she accustomed to. After overcoming this difficulty proved to be a great strength in Sanchez, using it to her advantage when confronted by deadlines as well as schoolwork.

But beyond the classroom is where she enjoys her teen years with friends, listening to music, and enjoying the foods and movies other countries have to offer. “I love Italian food,” the cuisine enthusiast said. “I also like to watch movies in my spare time, especially foreign films.” With having The Downey Legend set as a foundation for her future, Sanchez’ main incentive is to travel the world and live on her own. Although unsure of what college to pursue her journalism career, she knows a UC will suit her in her plan to write for Time Magazine.

Monique Munoz, Co-Photo Editor

Soon to graduate from Downey High School, 17-year-old senior Monique Munoz is a photographer and the Co-Photo Editor for The Downey Legend. Although this is her first year shooting for The Legend, she has had a passion for photography since her sophomore year. “I always have a camera with me whether it is my Canon Rebel or my little carry around camera,” Munoz said. “I take pictures all of the time in random places, looking to capture unforgettable moments.” Her goal is to be the best photographer on The Downey Legend staff. Munoz is also a photographer for Downey’s High’s yearbook. Aside from taking pictures, she enjoys cooking, dancing, and watching basketball and football. One of her dreams for high school is to participate in the powder puff game.

Munoz wants to obtain a minor in photography attending Cal State Long Beach, and she plans to finish her schooling at UCLA. Because of her love for children, her main desire is to major in the medical field and become a pediatrician. She decided this as her dream career because of how well she is with children due to constantly having to take care of her younger siblings. “I wouldn’t mind working as a photographer on my breaks and vacations from my career, because photographing is more of a passion then a job to me,” Munoz said. She also mentioned she wishes to travel the world to photograph portraits, candid and landscape photos. “No matter what it takes, I am determined to achieve all my goals and believe I am capable of accomplishing anything I want to,” Munoz said.