![“[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)
In the United States, people celebrate Valentine’s Day with chocolate, roses, and romantic gestures. Meanwhile, around the globe, individuals come together to celebrate their love in a different style.
France: Ah, the land of love and the origin country of Valentine’s Day. In the middle ages, St. Valentine defied the church and married young couples in secret. Today, lovers exchange love letters when the birds begin to mate around the 14th of February.
Japan: Because of a mistake an American company made when attempting to bring Valentine’s Day to Japan, it was misunderstood that only women give men chocolates on the holiday. Each year, women buy chocolate for friends and family in addition to Hom-mei, a special type of chocolate specifically for boyfriends and husbands. One month later, men return the favor on White Day, March 14.
United Kingdom: Following Shakespeare’s legendary example, Brits write sonnets and verses to one another in addition to exchanging cards, chocolates, and the usual flowers. Children celebrate the occasion by spending the day singing love songs and romantic ballads instead of sitting in a classroom.
Canada: Throughout the country, thousands of Valentine’s Day balls and parties are organized and held. Couples and singles can dance the night away, young and old.
South Africa: In Africa, Valentine’s Day is a week-long celebration. Young girls celebrate a tradition called “Lupercalia,” which requires them to pin the name of their lover on their sleeve.
India: Valentine’s Day is a recent development in India. Like in Africa, the festivals are week-long. Television, newspapers, and media overhype the holiday, much like they do here.
Italy: In addition to exchanging flowers and chocolate, couples exchange more extravagant gifts such as cologne and diamond jewelry.
Scotland: Scottish culture celebrates a tradition called “The Search of the Valentine Date.” During this time, Scottish people celebrate a romantic day with a complete stranger. The first man or woman a person sees on the street becomes his or her Valentine for the day.
China: Since Valentine’s Day follows shortly after Chinese or Lunar New Year, it is only natural that people would visit a temple on Valentine’s. Couples visit “Temple of Matchmaker” and pray for happiness and future marriage whereas single people visit to pray for luck in finding love.
