![“[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)
Sophomores learn to stay button-proof at their LIFE assembly
An instructor from the Yes! group gives Andrew Kim (10) a high-five after asking Andrew to perform an impromptu dance number for the class. The activity was supposed to help suggest being comfortable in your own skin.
Sophomores filed into the gym today to take part in one of the monthly LIFE events with the Youth Empowerment Seminar (YES!) about staying “button-proof.”
Every month, each grade meets to take part in a LIFE assembly or participate in the Eagle Buddies program. The freshmen, sophomores, and seniors stayed on campus while the juniors went to Bucknall to spend time with their Eagle Buddies. The sophomores were guided by three YES! instructors with various awareness activities and breathing techniques that they believe should be practiced when you feel one’s buttons are being pushed.
“I feel this will really help the students as everyone is stressed with school work and other activities,” LIFE board member Dhanush Madabusi said. “It is easy to lose your temper when you’re under pressured conditions so these practicing these breathing techniques can help with this or regular health and wellness.”
The instructors used an interactive approach to the seminar by calling up volunteers and having the class play games. They asked volunteers about what they would do in situations where their buttons were pushed and described breathing techniques that would help ease those types of situations.
Some breathing techniques included the “victory breathe” and the “power breath.” Both centered around trying to bring one’s emotional state to the present by calming the mind. These techniques are help one sleep easier.
“It was very helpful. I’m going to try the power breathing to help me go to sleep tonight,” Mary Najibi (10) said.
Although some students found this exercise beneficial towards their daily lives and sleeping patterns, others did not echo the same view. Some students found the exercises pointless or even boring.
“It was kind of interesting. They knew how to get our attention but at the same time it was pretty hard to take seriously,”John Jerney (10) said. “I don’t doubt that they’re breathing exercises could be helpful but I’ll probably forget about it by the end of the week.”
The group started with an awareness activity called “Mountain, Tree, River.” The objective of the game consisted of performing the assigned action for the corresponding word being announced, even if it differed from the instructor’s actions. This game demonstrated the benefits of staying aware of one’s surroundings. The class also played a game called “River, Bank, Surfer,” which tested once again one’s awareness for what was going on.
The next LIFE event for all grades will be on January 17th. The freshmen, juniors, and seniors will stay on campus while the sophomores travel to Bucknall for Eagle Buddies.
Sharanya Balaji (12) is the Editor-In-Chief for Harker Aquila and has been on staff for the past three years. Additionally, during her freshman year she...