![“[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)
Scary Halloween movies
Special to Harker Aquila
This still from Scream captures the spooky spirit of Halloween perfectly. Scream is amongst one of the most terrifying Halloween movies to watch.
Halloween is approaching rapidly. Many students choose to go trick-or-treating but there are a variety of activities that can be enjoyed at home to celebrate. One great get-together activity is watching a scary movie. Without further ado, here are some of the most terrifying flicks that the daring may enjoy.
“Paranormal Activity” is a wonderfully crafted horror movie due to how plausible it seems. In this film, a young couple move to a new house that gives off a strange aura. The woman complains of a demonic presence encircling the house. In response, her boyfriend sets up security cameras to record unnatural behavior. Through the lenses of the cameras, the viewers receive an unnerving and horribly realistic look into what befalls the unfortunate couple.
“Silence of the Lambs,” another commonly known movie, is blood-curling. Although considered a thriller, it fits the title of a horror film quite skillfully. The film tracks the actions of a serial killer known as Buffalo Bill, who performs unspeakable atrocities to his victims. For a twist in the movie, the main character and FBI Agent Clarice Starling must rely on the help of an incarcerated killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter to track the actions and motives of Bill. The film is a great blend between the crime and horror genres and is sure to provide adrenaline loving audiences with a great time.
Finally, we have “Scream,” a slasher film. Of the three movies described, it is the most violent. It also created an iconic figure which many people dress up as for Halloween. Throughout the movie, a murderer terrorizes and kills random innocent people without an apparent reason. A large police investigation follows but the killer is relentless and continues on his bloody path. One red herring leads the police off the wrong trail before they realize their mistakes too late…
It is highly recommended to watch these movies with a group of friends not just as a way to socialize but to preserve mental wellness as these flicks are perfectly horrifying. Once one starts on these, he or she will truly realize that fear does indeed bring people together.
Stanley Zhao (12) is the business manager of the Winged Post. He is a senior this year. Stanley is part of the math club and is currently conducting a...