Graduating senior, Francine Mendoza talks about her years at Downey High School, Prom, and what she wants to do once she graduates. Mendoza has attended Downey since her freshman year and has participated in the school’s band.

1. What was your favorite Downey Event?

“For sure, Prom. I got to let loose and dance,[and] make more memories with my friends before we graduate. It was amazing one of the best nights I ever had at Downey.”

2. Would you have liked to stay another year if you could at Downey?

“Honestly, I do not know. There are good points and bad points to staying another year. The good points are I would stay with some of my friends and I would make more amazing memories. Some bad points are my other friends would leave and I would have to deal with others judging me for not graduating with my class. Even if was normal, I don’t know if I would want to spend more time at Downey, because I want to go and make a difference in the world.”

3. What is a way Downey affected you positively and negatively?

“One positive way is I learned what I wanted to do in life; become a social worker. I saw how hard it really was for some kids. A negative way was I realized how people do not really care and you have to be able to stand on your own two feet.”

4. What college do you want to go to and what do you plan on majoring in?

“I plan on going to LA community college then I want to transfer to a four year university. I don’t know what four year I want to go to yet, but I’m going to be a social worker.”

5. Would you have wanted to graduate early?

“No, I would miss too much and I wouldn’t graduate with my original class. I like how long high school is now and I would be a little nervous. I would have graduated at the age of 16 if I did that.”