![“[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)
Beat the heat
Meteorologists have predicted that California will experience the worst drought in the last 100 years this summer. With finals, general schoolwork, and a rising thermometer, it is difficult to concentrate when it is too hot. Even though the dress code forbids many of the clothing items designed for summer, this guide details several ways to maneuver around the restrictions. To help beat the heat, here are some dress-code approved outfit suggestions.
Maxi skirts. Skirt length is one of the most common dress-code violations. Skirts are an ideal solution for the heat, allowing air circulation around the legs. Staying within the limits of the dress code is difficult because the skirts currently in vogue are too short to meet its requirement; hemlines must end four inches above the knee at the most. Maxi and tea-length skirts (which hit just above the ankle) are also in fashion. The perfect solution, they allow for both air-flow and propriety.
Cotton. Less fabric is not necessarily the solution to staying cool; the type of fabric also makes an impact. Polyester and other synthetic materials do not allow air to flow around the body, which increases heat and body odor. Natural fabrics, like cotton, keep the body ventilated throughout the day.
Loose, not less. Another alternative to showing more skin is covering up with loose pieces of clothing. Flowy tops especially let air circulate in and out of the shirt. Since straps must be at least two inches thick, flowy shirts can substitute for tank-tops. Tighter clothes trap heat next to the skin. Another advantage of looser clothing is that it prevents sweat stains. When fabric is not in constant contact with the body, it is much less likely to get wet and feel unpleasant.
Open-toed shoes. Contrary to popular belief, foot sweat itself does not smell. However, the fungi that thrive in a tennis shoe create a pungent odor as they reproduce, a phenomenon intensified by the heat. Choosing open toed shoes prevents the buildup of bacteria, reducing the chance of stinky feet. Keep in mind that sandals must have a back to be in dress code.
This piece was originally published in the pages of the Winged Post on May 16, 2014.
Meilan Steimle (12) is co-Editor-in-Chief of the Winged Post. She was a reporter her freshman year, Winged Post Opinion Editor her sophomore year and Winged...