![“[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)
Swine Flu season returns
The seasonal flu is back again with the number of deaths from the flu in the Bay Area rising to 29 as of Wednesday, Jan. 22.
This year’s flu has been identified as Type A, subtype H1N1 which is also known as the “swine flu”. This strain has been different from others since it seems to be targeting younger and healthier people.
Although the Upper School has stayed relatively clear from the flu, people should still stay cautious of their surroundings. Upper School nurse Clare Elchert said, “Winter season is not over yet, and neither is flu season.”
Even though the flu is said to target young and adolescent individuals, the last two deaths were a man in his 30’s and a man in his 50’s both of whom were unvaccinated. The flu deaths started with a 41 year old woman from the Santa Clara County who passed away shortly before Christmas. Ever since then, the toll has increased with fifteen people hospitalized. Although there have been many deaths, health officials have stated that the flu season has not seen its peak yet.
Common symptoms for the flu are a 100 degree or higher fever or a sore throat, runny noses, headaches, body aches, chills, fatigue, and nausea.
“If you have a fever at night, you probably have the flu,” said Upper School Nurse, Clare Elchert.
If you have any symptoms of the flu people should stay at home to prevent anyone else from getting the flu.
Some tips to stay clear from the flu are to constantly wash hands, cover mouths when coughing, and avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
It is also highly suggested that people go get the flu shot. Even if the flu shots do not fully help prevent the flu, they will definitely expedite the recovery process. Local clinics and pharmacies including Palo Alto Medical Foundation Urgent Care, CVS, and Walgreens administer flu shots.
The seasonal flu is back again with the number of deaths from the flu in the Bay Area rising to 29 as of Wednesday, Jan. 22.
This year’s flu has been identified as Type A, subtype H1N1 which is also known as the “swine flu”. This strain has been different from others since it seems to be targeting younger and healthier people.
Although the Upper School has stayed relatively clear from the flu, people should still stay cautious of their surroundings. Upper School nurse Clare Elchert said, “Winter season is not over yet, and neither is flu season.”
Even though the flu is said to target young and adolescent individuals, the last two deaths were a man in his 30’s and a man in his 50’s both of whom were unvaccinated. The flu deaths started with a 41 year old woman from the Santa Clara County who passed away shortly before Christmas. Ever since then, the toll has increased with fifteen people hospitalized. Although there have been many deaths, health officials have stated that the flu season has not seen its peak yet.
Common symptoms for the flu are a 100 degree or higher fever or a sore throat, runny noses, headaches, body aches, chills, fatigue, and nausea.
“If you have a fever at night, you probably have the flu,” said Upper School Nurse, Clare Elchert.
If you have any symptoms of the flu people should stay at home to prevent anyone else from getting the flu.
Some tips to stay clear from the flu are to constantly wash hands, cover mouths when coughing, and avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
It is also highly suggested that people go get the flu shot. Even if the flu shots do not fully help prevent the flu, they will definitely expedite the recovery process. Local clinics and pharmacies including Palo Alto Medical Foundation Urgent Care, CVS, and Walgreens administer flu shots.
This piece was originally published in the pages of the Winged Post on Jan. 27, 2014
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...