![“[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)
Spring break has just begun, and you are already bored with schoolwork. Unfortunately, you have nothing to do other than mope around the house.
This is the state of affairs for most freshmen and sophomores who do not have cars and have exhausted all they can do in their homes.
Here are five fun activities that underclassmen can do on their own during break to escape the boredom.
1. Bike into town and visit restaurants
To view the scenery, get some exercise, and sample some great food, consider biking around town, either by yourself or with friends, and visit several restaurants throughout the day.
Freshman Calvin Kocienda enjoys biking around town alone and visiting places to eat.
“Every day or every other day I like to take a walk or a bike ride for 10 miles or whatever on a park trail or just around town,” he said. “Usually when I ride around town alone, I buy myself lunch and visit restaurants.”
2. Go hiking with friends
If there are local hiking trails near your house that you have heard about but never had the time to go check them out, this is the perfect opportunity to seize the day and explore the trails with friends.
“I have heard that there are some nice hiking trails near my house, but I have yet to try them out. Maybe I will during this break,” Helen Wu (10) said.
If you do not spend the entire break working, then going hiking is a great way to view the scenery and exercise.
3. Tour the neighborhood and visit a local park
The worst possible way to spend spring break would be to stay cooped up inside your house and miss out on nature blooming.
“I love to bike, go for a walk in the park, and hang out with friends who live nearby,” Samantha Madala (10) said.
Instead of watching television, take a walk outside around your neighborhood or visit a local park with friends and appreciate nature. Bring along a camera and capture some nice pictures.
4. Feed your sweet tooth
Whether it be Starbucks, Peet’s Coffee, Jamba Juice, Yogurtland, or any of the several refreshment stores, treat yourself to a refreshing meal and enjoy the beautiful spring weather.
“There’s this little plaza close to my house that has a Starbucks, so I like to go there,” Shannon Hong (9) said.
5. Visit your city’s local library
Visiting the local library could be a more interesting trip then you would think. There are other ways to spend your time than just reading books or studying, such as borrowing and watching DVDs, or eating at the cafe. If none of those appeal to you, then you can go to the library to collect your thoughts and relax.
“I go to the library to just be serene,” Sidhart Krishnamurthi (10) said.
So what are you waiting for? Stop loafing around your house, and try one of these activities.
