![“I wasn't discouraged by some of the obstacles we faced. I learned a lot from the leadership. I found that different people need different ways of receiving feedback — you can't [just] tell them to do something and expect the best. [Some] people needed more incentive. A large part of my role was to figure out what worked for everyone and to figure out how to lead all these separate individuals as a team,” Suhana Bhandare (’26) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/SuhanaBhandare_JasmineHansra-1-1200x798.jpg)
![“This is actually from Randy Pausch Randy P. Brick: ‘Walls are there for a reason. You have to show how much you want to overcome them.’ You have to show how much you want something. That's what I've always been able to do with tennis, Link Crew and getting that internship [with Kushy Baby]. It’s important pushing through that — getting around that brick wall, climbing over it or clawing through it,” Yash Sachdeva (’26) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/YashSachdeva_RamBatchu-copy-1200x1002.jpg)
![“[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)
As Valentine’s Day quickly approaches, every guy is scrambling to find something special to wow his date. If you have not, this article may be your lifeline.
1. Make a Valentine’s Day Playlist
What better way to express your affection than to make a compilation of her and your favorite songs. Create an iTunes playlist of these songs and email it to her on Valentine’s Day morning. Or, if you want to see her reaction, invite her over to your house and play it for her. If you are having trouble figuring out what songs to add to the playlist, start with artists she enjoys listening to. If you are still struggling, Google “Valentine’s Day love songs.”
2. Bake Valentine cookies
This would be a good time to call in favors from your mom or sister. Spoil her with lots of chocolate, preferably dark, because it is said that chocolate makes you feel good. What girl can resist warm, gooey, sugary, heart-shaped treats covered in red or pink frosting? Whether hand delivered or left on your girlfriend’s porch, the Valentine’s Day sweets and the ensuing sugar coma are sure to impress your sweetie.
3. Invite your Valentine over for a romance movie marathon
Ask your date over to your house, rent her favorite romantic comedies, and sit down on the couch for some cheap popcorn and a priceless Valentine’s Day. Whether it is just for a few hours or the whole day, your Valentine will appreciate your efforts, not to mention the time she spends with you. Make sure you shower first!
4. Arrange a surprise dinner date
Pick up your date and take her to a nice restaurant, or better yet, cook her dinner yourself. Love will be in the air, as everyone, no matter how unromantic she seems, loves food. By making her favorite dinner and adorning the table with red roses, your girlfriend will be able to see how much you truly care about her. If you are a hazard in the kitchen, going out to a nice restaurant and ice cream shop is an excellent option. Just a note: no matter how much your date insists, make sure to pay for the meal. No one likes a cheapskate.
Whether you impress your date with one of these ideas or come up with one of your own, make sure to find something to do because, as insignificant as Valentine’s Day may seem to you, it is a much bigger deal to your girlfriend. Don’t find yourself scrambling to think of a way to make it up to her and instead plan ahead. It will be well worth your time.
