![“[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)
Apple Buys Beats Audio
Apple Inc. acquired Beats Music and Beats Electronics last Wednesday for over $2.6 billion up front and $400 million in stock. Founded in 2008 by artist Dr. Dre and Interscope/Geffen/A&M Records chairman Jimmy Iovine, Beats has become best known for its iconic headphones, speakers, and audio systems.
On the street, there is a jogger with Beats earbuds plugged into their iPhone. In the studio, an artist mixes a song on a MacBook Pro and Beats headphones. The two companies’ products are frequently used together, but no one suspected what would happen next.
Two days ago, Apple Inc. finalized plans to acquire Beats Music and Beats Electronics LLC for $3 billion. With this purchase, Apple now owns Beats’ popular headphone line and its counterpart online streaming service.
In a surprising turn for the company, Apple will continue to use the Beats moniker. Ryan Pachauri (11) agreed with this decision.
“[Apple] shouldn’t do any rebranding or anything, because people like Beats as it is,” Ryan said. “Beats already dominates [the industry].”
Most importantly, Apple gains Beats cofounders Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre, two of the most well-connected executives in the music industry. Dr. Dre (Andre Young) is one of the industry’s most prominent artists and producers. Iovine, 61, will step down from his position at Interscope Geffen A&M to work for Apple. In the past, the music executive has collaborated with former CEO Steve Jobs on various releases, including the iTunes Store in 2003.
“I’ve always known in my heart that Beats belonged with Apple,” Iovine said in an Apple press release. “The idea when we started the company was inspired by Apple’s unmatched ability to marry culture and technology. Apple’s deep commitment to music fans, artists, songwriters and the music industry is something special.”
Shivali Minocha (10) suggested that the merger is beneficial for Beats’ hardware line.
“I think [the Apple-Beats deal] is a good idea, because Beats aren’t necessarily that great quality, and Apple tends to make decent quality products,” Shivali Minocha (10) said. “They’ll probably improve the quality of Beats.”
Critics of the purchase believe that it promotes materialism, due to Apple and Beats’ status as fashionable brands.
“I think it’s a terrible deal, because Beats are completely overpriced and overhyped, and it shows the real flaw in American consumer culture today,” said Sanil Rajput (10).
Apple announced that the deal will be completed in quarter 4 of the fiscal year. For now, Beats Music, as well as the Beats hardware experience will remain the same. Only time will tell as to what Apple and Beats will conjure up in the future.
Shay Lari-Hosain (12) is the Editor-in-Chief and co-founder of Wingspan Magazine. Shay has interviewed 2013 Nobel Laureates, authors like Khaled Hosseini...