A trip to the Great Depression

Amairani Triana

During the beginning of the Great Depression unit, in Modern American History classes, Brenda Alvizures and juniors are given the opportunity to get extra credit by dressing in the same outfit for two full weeks. “It’s easy points,” junior Brenda Alvizures said. “It also saves me time in the morning, not having to choose a new outfit everyday.”

Noemi Lozano, Copy Editor
February 25, 2014

To begin the Great Depression unit, all U.S. History teachers offered a 25 point extra credit opportunity that involved wearing the same clothing for two consecutive weeks, much like people would during the Great Depression. This assignment’s purpose was to let students experience the poverty and hardship that people experienced during the 1930s. Because this was her first semester at Downey High, junior Rebeca Mancina wanted to start her grade off as high as possible and had no hesitation participating in the assignment wearing a comfortable outfit that consisted of jeans and her favorite hoodie. “It was a win-win,” Mancina said. “I didn’t have to pick an outfit for two weeks, and I got extra credit points.” To show his commitment to his teaching, Mr. Hitchcock, along with all the other U.S. History teachers, took part in the assignment along with his students. “How can we ask our students to do something like this if we aren’t even willing to do it?” Hitchcock said. “It makes no sense.” Junior Celeste Martinez didn’t think too much before starting the assignment and with her habit of not allowing herself to give up, she fought through and completed the two-week trial. “I started the assignment just for a grade bump. I never thought it’d be so hard to go through with. It really makes me appreciate what I have,” Martinez said “Thank God the two weeks is over!” Teachers designed the assignment to allow students to view a part of life from another perspective and give them a second thought about appreciation.

About the Contributors

Noemi Lozano, Copy Editor

Senior Noemi Lozano will be part of The Downey Legend for her second year as copy editor by taking on the responsibility of making important documents needed to have a successful deadline. She first heard about The Downey Legend from a photographer her sophomore year and joined her junior year where it really helped her become more social. “Freshmen year I was really shy and now I can’t stop talking,” Lozano said. She is a big people person but one of her biggest pet peeves is when people say her name wrong or mistakenly call her Naomi.

One of Lozano’s favorite shows is Orange is the New Black. During her free time she listens to her favorite artist Kid Cudi .One of Lozano’s goals is to move to San Francisco. “I just want to get away from here and explore,” Lozano said. Another goal of hers would be working with kids, because she wants to follow in her older sisters’ footsteps: one is 25 years old and teaches children with special needs, and the other is a 28 years old speech therapist.

Amairani Triana, Photographer

Amairani Triana, a senior at Downey High School, joined The Downey Legend 2013-2014 staff this year as a photographer. She not only loves to capture pictures on her camera for fun, but for the deeper meaning of the story that the pictures tell. Triana has always been interested in photography and decided to fulfill her passion for taking pictures by becoming a photojournalist for The Downey Legend. This photographer is hoping to improve her photo skills so that she catches the eyes of audiences all over campus. Triana also plans on furthering her photography skills in college as she hopes to attend Cal State Long Beach next year. She also plans on traveling to uncivilized areas around the world, such as Rwanda, Africa, to broaden her horizons; she aspires to open her mind to the different views of the world. Although she is unsure of her career choice at the moment she is sure she wants to keep photography a part of her as she progresses in life.

Since Triana is an only child, in her free time she enjoys spoiling her dog, Lucy, a golden retriever, who keeps her company and is the subject of many of her freelance photos. When she is not pampering her much-adored puppy this photographer likes to kick her feet up at the end of the day and chant “Goal!” as she watches her favorite sport: soccer, on TV. While at school, she can be found around campus with her best friend of two years, photographer Cindy Macias. The photographer explains that her best friend is the complete opposite of herself. “Cindy has a very strong and bold personality, a little more outgoing than me,” Triana said, “I’m more of a quiet and gentle person.” Her mother who has made Triana the friendly person that she is today inspires Triana’s positive outlook on life and innocent nature. “My mom is the person I look up to,” Triana said. “She is always so happy and positive, and she can never be mean. She is just an overall good person.” Her optimistic attitude keeps Triana going as she aspires to reach her goals and further her education as a photographer.