![“[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)
Jamba Juice secret menu drinks
Jamba Juice, a popular local smoothie company, offers a variety of drink flavors ranging from Banana Berry to Peach Pleasure. However, as many people might not know, Jamba Juice also has a secret menu, which contains drinks that are no longer on the official menu but can still be ordered. Each Jamba Juice location offers different secret menu items, so make sure to ask which drinks are available.
Harker Aquila reviewed three secret menu smoothies: Pink Star, Strawberry Shortcake, and Sour Patch Kids.
Pink Star: 5/5 stars
★★★★★
The Pink Star smoothie, designed to taste like a pink Starburst, is the most popular Secret Menu item—and for a good reason. The beverage is comprised of a delightful combination of strawberry, raspberry, and lemon flavors, resulting in an optimal amount of sweetness. The evenly blended finish of the drink adds to the perfect consistency of the thick and milky smoothie. If you could only pick one secret menu item, we highly recommend the Pink Star drink!
Strawberry Shortcake: 1/5 stars
★☆☆☆☆
A striking misnomer, the Strawberry Shortcake smoothie strays far from expectations of a creamy strawberry beverage. Instead, the drink can be compared to a can of Dole pineapple juice, due to its liquid consistency and strong pineapple taste. The smoothie is overpowered by a bland combination of pineapple, banana, and apple, containing not a trace of strawberry flavor. So, if you think you’ll enjoy a watery, flavorless, and unpalatable beverage, be sure to try the Strawberry Shortcake concoction!
Sour Patch Kids: 4/5 stars
★★★★☆
Unsurprisingly, Sour Patch Kids exactly resembles the flavor of Sour Patch Kids candy. At first, the drink can be overwhelmingly sour for some, but the sweet aftertaste provides for a good balance. The smoothie is a refreshing and energizing drink, perfect for a warm, spring day. As for the drink’s consistency, the top layer becomes watery within a few minutes, leaving the center frozen. If you enjoy the savory taste of Sour Patch Kids with hints of raspberries and lemon, this may be the drink for you!
Anokhi Saklecha (12) is the Global Editor for the Winged Post. She has been in the journalism program for the past three years. She loves the creativity,...
Shannon Su is the Managing Editor and Executive News Director of Harker Aquila. She joined the program as a reporter her freshman year and has held many...