5 Questions with Mrs. Neria

Akhila Nallamilli, Staff Writer
March 13, 2015

11^th grade history teacher, Mrs. Neria, tells the ‘history’ of her antiques: the globe, podium, and desk.

Q1: When did you become interested in collecting antiques? Why?

A1: I became interested after college. I was a history major and the history I learned came alive with the furniture I collected.

Q2: Where did you get the globe, the desks and the podium?

A2: [The] globe (1908) and the podium (1994) were in my room when I started teaching at Downey 26 years ago. The desk (1880) is my daughter’s and my friend gave it to her as a gift.

Q3. What is the significance of your antiques?

A3: The antiques I have at home are American Turn of the Century pieces. American antiques are expensive, so when one of my friends received an offer to acquire some items for a lower price, I didn’t hesitate to buy them.

Q4: Do you have any particular antiques that you’re interested in owning?

A4: Antiques I would like to own would be jewelry of the 1920s. At the moment I cannot afford to buy antiques but perhaps in the future!

Q5: What are your thoughts on the specialty of antiques?

A5: I think the qualities of antiques are much better than the standard modern items that we see today.

About the Contributors

Akhila Nallamilli, Staff Writer

Being only a sophomore, Akhila Nallamilli entered The Downey Legend as a staff writer. Nallamilli started writing when she was in the seventh grade because she always liked writing fiction stories. “I thought joining Newspaper would help me broaden my style of writing so I am not a single genre writer,” Nallamilli said.

When she is not writing she enjoys listening to music, singing, and reading mystery and romance novels. “Music helps me relax during stressful times and dancing releases all of the negative energy,” Nallamilli said. Her favorite food is Indian food since those are her home cooked meals, but she is also obsessed with chocolate. In five years, she sees herself studying at the University of Berkley to become a doctor, but is still undecided on which branch of medicine to dedicate herself to. She looks forward to traveling the world right after she graduates from college. Nallamilli plans on expanding her writing style and end her sophomore year with exceptional grades.

Vernice Ortiz, Photographer

Joining The Downey Legend for the first year, 17-year-old photographer Vernice Ortiz is ready to take on the challenge of photographing for the online newspaper. Ortiz enjoys taking pictures and sharing her photos with others; she’s also prepared to get more people familiar with the website. “I’m excited to show everyone what I can do,” Ortiz said. Coming into the new year with a strong mindset, Ortiz was determined to earn a higher position on the staff, which she achieved. As her first week comes to end, a new journey just begins with her being the team’s very own Gallery Editor.

During her free time, Ortiz enjoys playing sports, basketball being her favorite. Along with being athletic, Ortiz is into music and can enjoy all genres of it, including country. When she isn’t photographing, playing sports, or listening to music, Ortiz is dedicated to volunteering at local elementary schools. After high school she plans to pursue a future in photography and become an independent adult.