![“[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)
A sweater or a tank top? Jeans or a dress? Although spring has officially begun, the weather is still ever-changing and many students face the same dilemma: how to dress for cold mornings and warm afternoons.
In order to feel nice and toasty in the 40º morning weather yet comfortable as the temperature increases in the afternoon, layering is essential.
For instance, start off with a sleeveless button down shirt and a pair of jeans. Then, throw on a light cardigan and finish with a jacket to keep warm.
“I’m wearing a patterned peplum shirt and a cashmere sweater over it with jeans because even if you take off a layer, you can still have a complete outfit,” Julia Wang (10) said.
Likewise, Molly Wolfe (12) dresses in a similar fashion.
“I like wearing sleeveless shirts under a sweater or cardigan so that I can take off a layer in the afternoon or in warm classrooms,” she said. “Also, I cuff my jeans if I need to.”
On the other hand, for those who want to bust out casual floral dresses, add a pair of tights underneath and put on a denim jacket to stay cozy.
Still feeling a little chilly in the morning? Toss in a twisted knit head wrap or an infinity scarf to accessorize!
When selecting shoes, it is easy to gravitate towards comfy uggs, but by the afternoon, boots will result in extreme heat and stuffiness. Instead, opt for a pair of flats or some lightweight sneakers.
Similarly, boys can also use the layering technique. After picking out a collared shirt, add a thin sweater over and top it off with a sweatshirt or light windbreaker.
“I love wearing jeans because they’re comfortable, but they’re not the warmest pants. However, one must suffer for fashion! I also wear my polo shirt for Harker, a North Face sweater and jacket,” Jeffrey Hsu (10) said.
Additionally, try to store a hooded jacket at school in case a chilly breeze drifts by or rain makes an unexpected appearance. If the sun comes out later, just take off that extra layer and put it in your locker.
Even though winter is over, you can still catch a cold, so make sure to stay warm by dressing appropriately for the weather.
