![“[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 change in the dress code now allows students to wear t-shirts to school until the end of this academic year.
Although no formal announcement was made about this revision in the dress code, Upper School Dean of Students Kevin Williamson notified students via email and the daily bulletin.
Many students were excited because the dress code guidelines relaxed a bit during the last few weeks of school. Some found it more convenient to grab a random shirt in the morning without worrying about being reprimanded by a faculty member. Others thought that wearing t-shirts allowed them more freedom of movement.
“Personally, it’s more comfortable, and it’s easier to focus in class, instead of having to wear uncomfortable shirts,” Brenna Jensen (9) said.
Sophomore Brandon Aguilar felt that allowing students to wear t-shirts helps them express themselves more. He chose to wear a Sharks t-shirt today to support his favorite hockey team.
“I feel identical to everyone else here when I’m wearing a collared shirt,” Brandon said.
Several students either forgot or were not aware that they were now allowed to wear t-shirts. When informed, most of them immediately expressed that they wanted to take advantage of this new relaxation of the dress code.
Senior Alan Soetikno, who wore a collared shirt to school today, was surprised that there had not been an announcement informing students of this new freedom.
“That’s awesome, but it’s not awesome that I didn’t get the memo,” Alan said.
Some students appreciated that they would now be able to wear more of the clothes in their wardrobes.
“It’s a nice change,” Kenny Zhang (11) said. “It lets me wear more of my clothes […] My options are more open.”
As all other dress code rules still apply, students are not permitted to wear items such as sweatpants, athletic gear, and flip flops.
