![“[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)
‘Tis the season, not for gingerbread cookies or christmas presents, but spring cleaning! Although it may sound lackluster or labor-intensive, spring cleaning reaps great rewards and clears wasted space if approached in the right way.
Do designate plenty of time
A common mistake committed by novices and experts alike is underestimating the time required for such a project. Even if tackling only one closet or room, things can quickly spiral into a mess as more objects are unearthed. Allot plenty of time to clean and reorganize. Turn up the music, grab a snack, and enjoy the process. Cleaning is hardly a race.
Don’t save unnecessary items
The nostalgia of old clothes, broken toys, or other odds and ends can compel people to stash away things they will never use. Do not throw away good memories just for the sake of getting rid of things, but at the same time, be wary of infusing sentimentality into common objects. Find the joy in the things that are saved and do not store away the unnecessary. Carefully evaluate what is really important and what the items will be used for before granting them precious space in an already small room or closet.
Do give to charity
A big part of spring cleaning is rejuvenation, which can not occur without parting with the old. Instead of disposing of items that are, to all appearances, intact, use them to help those who are less fortunate. This list may include old clothes that simply do not fit anymore, used toys that now seem too childish, or household items in surplus such as umbrellas, placemats, or blankets. Use the opportunity to give back to the community.
Don’t buy before organizing
Be it a forgotten appliance or an unopened box in the garage, digging up the old can prove to be a gold mine. Rather than spending money on items already in your possession, take the time to organize and finish cleaning before plunging into the shopping. It may be painful, but waiting to refurbish or finding lost items is beneficial.
Do be environmentally friendly
While throwing away many objects, it is very easy to get overwhelmed and blindly trash things. Always be aware of the environmental impact. It may not be much, but setting out a recycling bin next to the trash can, using eco friendly boxes, or adding compost bins in the backyard will not cost too much time or additional effort and will serve the environment better.
Although spring cleaning may still seem to be a chore in itself, it can create new space, dig up fond memories, serve the community, and help the environment. Remembering a few simple do’s and don’ts may go a small distance in making the world around us a better place; after all, we must work for the things we wish to happen. Why not start with spring cleaning?
