![“[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)
Wondering what to do on Earth Day to help the environment? Here are some ideas to benefit the Earth on April 22.
1. Plant a tree
Introducing new plant to the environment is one way to make an impact in the long term. Trees convert carbon dioxide to oxygen, and their roots secure the soil to reduce erosion. In addition, the official Santa Clara County website states that “studies have demonstrated that trees increase property values,” so you can appease your economic conscience as well.
2. Engage in community service
Community service to help the environment is a great way to spend Earth Day while simultaneously earning volunteer hours. Those interested can start with organizations such as Acterra (www.acterra.org) and Save the Bay (www.savesfbay.org), both of which are nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping the environment.
3. Use public transportation
Riding public transportation has a major impact on the environment; according to a factsheet made available via the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) website, “if one solo commuter in a household gives up their daily driving, it will reduce their carbon footprint by 10 percent.” In addition, VTA offers hybrid buses for even lower emissions. The fare for single rides for youths of age five to 17 is $1.75.
4. Recycle old electronics
Increased production of electronics has naturally led to increased electronic waste. Many of us have old electronic devices such as televisions and computers sitting in our homes. In order to properly dispose of this electronic waste, companies such as Apple, Dell, and HP all offer recycling programs for many of their products. For example, Apple’s website states that Cupertino residents can “recycle their used or unwanted computers and home electronics free at Apple’s Cupertino recycling collection facility.”
5. Switch out light bulbs
Switch some of the bulbs in your house to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “CFLs can help you save money, use less energy, reduce light bulb changes, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.” Therefore, switching out your bulbs will benefit the environment and your energy bill.
So what are you waiting for? Celebrate and enjoy Earth Day!
