![“[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)
While February 14 is traditionally a day to express romantic sentiments and treat valentines to a variety of chocolates, the day for celebrating love can extend beyond the romantic and into the familial.
Gift Giving
The thrill of the holidays usually comes from the exchange of presents. Why not enjoy the experience without the stress of shopping at peak time? Avoiding the hiked-up prices for chocolates and roses, use Valentine’s day as a time to share gifts with the rest of your family members. It is a perfect way to express love for the family and enjoy new presents!
Comedy Movie Marathon
While the rest of the city is struggling through sappy romance movies, break out the popcorn and sodas, claim a spot on the couch, and laugh your way through the day. Comedy is a genre that all family members, even the Valentine’s Day cynic, can enjoy. Staying in is also a smart way to avoid all the couples who treat Valentine’s Day as an excuse for public displays of affection.
Party
Invite your friends and family over for a party complete with snacks, music, and great company. Top the night off with some friendly competition for prizes-just enough to make it entertaining for all attending.
Family Cooking
Rather than restricting the appetite to chocolate, enjoy a full meal that incorporates everyone’s sweet and savory favorites. Family cooking is not only an amusing way to spend time together, but also a tasty way to share the glory of a culinary masterpiece. After all, food is the quickest way to a person’s heart.
Whether spent indoors or out, Valentine’s Day offers a chance for those with no romantic affiliations to relax and celebrate with family and friends, celebrating love nonetheless.
