![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasn't been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but I've had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. There's so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesn't exist, you can build it yourself," Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“When I came into high school, I was ready to be a follower. But DECA was a game changer for me. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and it's played such a major role in who I've become today. To be able to successfully lead a chapter of 150 students, an officer team and be one of the upperclassmen I once really admired is something I'm [really] proud of,” Anvitha Tummala ('21) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-25-at-9.50.05-AM-900x594.png)
![“I think getting up in the morning and having a sense of purpose [is exciting]. I think without a certain amount of drive, life is kind of obsolete and mundane, and I think having that every single day is what makes each day unique and kind of makes life exciting,” Neymika Jain (12) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Screen-Shot-2017-06-03-at-4.54.16-PM.png)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you aren't going to get those championships if you aren't fast,” Angel Cervantes (12) said. “I want to do well in school on my tests and in track and win championships for my team. I live by that, [and] I can do that anywhere: in the classroom or on the field.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC5146-900x601.jpg)
![“[Volleyball has] taught me how to fall correctly, and another thing it taught is that you don’t have to be the best at something to be good at it. If you just hit the ball in a smart way, then it still scores points and you’re good at it. You could be a background player and still make a much bigger impact on the team than you would think,” Anya Gert (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AnnaGert_JinTuan_HoHPhotoEdited-600x900.jpeg)
![“I'm not nearly there yet, but [my confidence has] definitely been getting better since I was pretty shy and timid coming into Harker my freshman year. I know that there's a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyone's so driven and that has really pushed me to kind of try to find my own place in high school and be more confident,” Alyssa Huang (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AlyssaHuang_EmilyChen_HoHPhoto-900x749.jpeg)
From freshly crafted resolutions to the thrill of the New York ball drop, New Years can be an entertaining event to celebrate with friends and family before going back to school.
While kicking back at home with popcorn, ice-cream cake, and party hats is always an option, there are a number of other ways to celebrate the night in style.
Davies Symphony Hall
The San Francisco Symphony’s annual New Year’s Eve Masquerade ball is a popular event for music and dance-lovers. While it does require formal dress, the event is exciting while still relaxing and a contrast to the conventional setting of the symphony’s other concerts. In addition to masks and music, there will be desserts served to all attending.
Restaurants with New Years’ Events
An alternative to a scheduled event is celebrating the New Year at a local restaurant. Both All Spice in San Mateo and Amber India on Santana Row boast four-course fixed meals. Other restaurants open up all their menu items and simply ring in the New Year. With a number of local favorites dotting the Bay Area, families can celebrate the coming of a New Year with great foods and ambiance at a local restaurant.
Asian Art Museum
A less traditional way to celebrate New Years, a trip to the Asian Art Museum promises to ring in the New Year, literally. A ticket buys a swing at a large Japanese bronze bell weighing more than 2000 pounds. The ringing of the bell symbolizes the release of old worries of the former year and the welcoming of a new and fruitful one.
Embarcadero – Pier 14 New Years Eve Fireworks
The Pier 14 fireworks are a classic way to celebrate and appeal to a variety of different ages. With food sold nearby and many viewing spots to choose from, the fireworks have become a long standing tradition enjoyed by locals and tourists. Take a few warm blankets for the family, a picnic basket full of tasty treats, and a deck of cards for the wait before the fireworks, and enjoy the transition from 2012 to 2013.
