![“[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)
A guide to commuting across campus
We realize that the walk from Nichols to Shah can be the world’s biggest struggle for Harker students, so here are some ideas to make your commute a little bit easier:
Pendulum catapult
Put the pendulum in Nichols to good use! Channel your inner Miley Cyrus and ride that pendulum. Think back to freshman physics to calculate the exact angle and momentum that you need to launch yourself all the way to Shah. If you require assistance, the physics classrooms are conveniently located nearby, and the nurse’s office isn’t far away either.
Chariot of squirrels
Now that Homecoming week has ended, repurpose your old class float into a squirrel-drawn chariot to ride around campus. You’ll not only save energy, but also become the coolest kid on the block showing off your new wheels — or rather, paws.
One with nature
Okay, so, maybe Hannah Montana’s alter ego isn’t calling out to you today. In that case, the spirit of Tarzan should easily flow through your veins. Clamber up the trees by Main and swing as if you really did grow up alongside Mangani apes (that can somehow speak perfect English). Maybe you’ll even find a Jane! (In which case, you can refer to our article on how to secure a date to Homecoming.)
Survival of the fittest
Are you the size of an energetic young child? Does one of your friends possess a scary resemblance to Hagrid? If so, the back of said friend should work perfectly as your mode of transportation across campus. Simply piggyback onto your half-human, half-giant buddy and mow down the puny, inferior mortals who stand before you. Make sure to find some time while piggybacking on your friend to giggle in the glory of being at the top of the food chain.
Golf-cart limo
Admit it, you’ve all stared jealously at those golf carts that security and Athletic Trainer Jaron Olson drive around campus in. You’ve definitely wanted to own a sweet ride like that — and why shouldn’t you? Hire a personal chauffeur for the sole purpose of transporting you to the opposite ends of campus. It’s money well-spent; you’ll not only arrive to class on time, but also get there in the most stylish way possible.
Kathy Duan is a senior and Co-Editor-in-Chief for TALON Yearbook. After three years on staff, she practically lives in the journalism room. She enjoys...
Alex Jang, Student Life Editor for the TALON Yearbook, is a senior this year and has been a part of journalism for three years. In his free time, he enjoys...
Cindy Liu, Academics Editor for the TALON Yearbook, is a senior and has been on staff for four years. Her favorite part of journalism is being able to...
Vivian Isenberg, a senior, is the Humor & Satire editor on Harker Aquila. She was a member of the yearbook staff her freshman year and has been on...
Kevin Du • Apr 8, 2018 at 4:37 pm
Wow! What an insightful, useful article!