![“[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)
Harker Bucket List
Special to Harker Aquila
A sea of white greeted the boys Varsity basketball team last year as they faced off against Sacred Heart Preperatory during the CCS finals. Cheering on your fellow Eagles while snacking on concessions or snuggling under blankets fosters school love.
A new school year calls for new pencils, new notebooks, new backpacks and new goals. Make it a point to check the six items below off your high school bucket list.
1.) Visit the Nichols rooftop garden.
If you’re currently pondering what exactly the Nichols rooftop garden is, all the more reason to add this item to your high school bucket list! Situated on the side of the reflective building, the garden overlooks the campus and is worth a visit.
2.) Go to a theater production.
Whether it be a lighthearted musical, a dramatic Shakespearean play or a quirky SDS show, treat yourself to a night at the theater. With several award-winning productions under its belt, the Harker Conservatory is sure to dazzle you with its talent and stage presence.
3.) Befriend a teacher you’re afraid of.
Though your first instinct when you see them approach you in the hallway may be to sprint frantically in the opposite direction, take a leap of faith, smile and strike up a conversation. Teachers at Harker have been known to participate in everything from kayak polo to tango, so it’s a safe bet that you’ll discover something incredibly interesting about them. A great friendship can come from the most unexpected of places.
4.) Go all out to ask someone to a school dance.
From flash mobs in the Manzanita patio to extravagant scavenger hunts, almost all of us have witnessed an epic promposal, Homecoming ask or Sadies ask. Channel your inner romantic and pull out all the stops to ask your significant other or friend to an upcoming dance you’ll never forget.
5.) Go nuts at a sporting event.
Basketball, football, tennis, wrestling, water polo, volleyball, lacrosse and more: the choice is yours. No cheating by leaving at halftime or between innings—give your athletes the respect they deserve. Cheering on your fellow Eagles while snacking on concessions or snuggling under blankets fosters school love. Don’t miss out on the chance to say that you saw your home team win a nail-biting game or advance to the CCS finals. High school is comprised of moments, so it pays to be there for the ones that count.
6.) Plan a weekly dress up day with your friends.
Harker students have organized everything from Frat Boy Friday to Wildcat Wednesday, so get creative and plan to coordinate outfits with your friends one day of the week, every week. Not only does the tradition make for a killer Facebook photo album, but the weekly ritual of disputing what to wear will bring you and your friends closer and become something you will look forward to.
Riya Godbole is the Lifestyle Editor of The Winged Post. She is a senior and has been part of the journalism program since her freshman year. Her favorite...