![“[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)
LIFE kicks off the first assemblies of the year
Members of the junior class raise their arms in the shape of a tree during a game in their Thursday LIFE session. The representatives from Youth Empowerment Seminar used this game to make students focus.
The junior, sophomore, and freshman classes gathered in the atrium, auditorium, and the gym respectively for their LIFE assemblies, while the seniors met with their eagle buddies today.
The junior class attended an interactive presentation by representatives from the organization, Youth Empowerment Seminar (YES). The speakers, through a series of games, taught students methods of relaxation by focusing their minds and controlling their breathing
In the first game, students stood behind a line and jumped back and forth across it as a YES representative called out where they should jump. It was a test of focus as the representative would often try to trick students by calling out two of the same commands successively, causing some students to jump when they were not supposed to. The other games that followed were similar tests of focus and concentration along with the introduction of breathing techniques that promote relaxation and raise energy levels.
Some students thought that it was not anything new. Rahul Jayaraman (11) already does deep breathing exercises when he is stressed, so he doesn’t feel that what they said will change his routine.
“The presentation was interesting because the speakers tried to connect with us by making us play games and demonstrating to us the various breathing techniques,” Rahul said.
On the other hand, the sophomores went to an presentation by Diane Main, Assistant Director of Instructional Technology. She discussed staying on task by decreasing use of technology and social networking. She also discussed maintaining a reputation online. The students found this more engaging than the typical internet safety lectures they heard last year.
Main started off talking about the importance of not having screen time before sleep and the mental effects staring at a computer. She then transitioned to teaching the importance of having an online profile. Throughout her presentation, she created amusement with her jokes and sense of humor
“It was more successful than usual digital safety type assemblies because Ms. Maine delivered her presentation in a more humourous manner. It was more fun to listen to,” said Naomi Molin, sophomore LIFE Board member.
Meanwhile, the freshmen class filled out a survey on how much time they spent on homework, sleep, and other activities, as well as what they define as success. Then, a senior panel talked to them about what they would have wanted to know as freshmen.
Regardless of what their LIFE assemblies were about, most students enjoyed the deviance from the usual school day and their regular classes.
Daphne Liang is a reporter for TALON Yearbook. She is a sophomore and has been a part of the journalism program since her freshman year. Daphne is also...
Cheryl Liu is an assistant photo editor of TALON yearbook. She is a junior and has been part of the journalism program since her freshman year. Her favorite...