![Setter Emma Lee (9) sets the ball to the middle during the match against Pinewood on Sept. 12. “[I’m looking forward to] getting more skilled, learning more about my position and also becoming better friends with all of my teammates, Emma said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/DSC_4917-2-1200x795.jpg)
![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasnt been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but Ive had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. Theres so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesnt exist, you can build it yourself, Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“Animation just clicked in a way. I had been interested in art, but that felt different. [Animation] felt like it had something behind it, whereas previous things felt surface level. I wasnt making that crazy of things, but just the process of doing it was much more enjoyable, Carter Chadwick (22) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Screen-Shot-2022-08-16-at-9.44.08-AM-900x598.png)
![“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 its played such a major role in who Ive 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 Im [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)
![“[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)
![“Im 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 theres a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyones 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)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you arent going to get those championships if you arent 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)
![“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)
Importance of Being a Sports Fan
Inside the room of a 49er fanatic, the walls are covered with all red and gold to show support and spirit.
Never give up on your team. Even though we lost yesterday and had so many missed opportunities, the 49ers and I persevere together, not only for a whole 60 minutes every Sunday, but also during classes.
Whenever offensive tight end Vernon Davis scores a touchdown, quarterback Colin Kaepernick runs up to his teammate, chest-bumps him, and then traditionally kisses his own biceps. Even though I am watching on TV, I feel like I am right there in the moment with them, enjoying those seconds of glory.
Following specific teams and cheering them on through every up and down creates a connection, a sense of loyalty and determination. A feeling of defensiveness overcomes me whenever the critics talk about a missed catch or an ill-timed throw.
I am always assured that I have another family out there, who is trying to win just as hard as I am.
When I recollect that beautiful interception during a physics test, I know I must live up to those expectations and make everyone proud, like how the 49ers made the whole Bay Area proud. Having such a close bond with the team helps me when it comes to school because I know that if I want to be something important in the future like the 49ers, I need to work hard.
Being an avid sports fan teaches lessons, such as nothing comes easy in life, and that I should not lose hope, whether it be fumbling the football or unsure of a question on a math test.
The attachment I have created to the 49ers assures me that when I go to sleep at night, I know I can fist pump that life-size poster of Vernon Davis on my wall, and everything will be alright. He will be there for me, and, as a loyal sports fan, I can make sure I will be there watching him next Sunday on TV, where Justin Smith’s signed 49ers flag is pinned up.
I’ll be wearing my usual Sunday attire – my number 7 jersey, special red and yellow bracelet, matching Aldon Smith diamond stud earrings, and, of course, that “Who’s got it better than us?” towel wrapped around my neck.
Trisha Dwivedi (12) is the Managing Editor of Harker Aquila. She was a reporter her freshman year, Business Manager of the Winged Post her sophomore year...
