![“[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)
In a Nutshell: Quinoa salad
‘Keen-wa,’ the latest “superfood,” and kale, a not-so-latest “superfood.” Brought to you in a super marriage. The pastor? Balsamic vinaigrette.
Recipe:
Notes
- Difficulty: Super super easy
- Length: 15 minutes (because of the quinoa)
- Methods of cooking: Stovetop for the quinoa
- Keep in mind: You can add whatever you want.
- Note from Fred: Massaging the kale, while super weird and uncomfortable, really makes a difference in breaking down its tough fibers and sweetening its natural bitterness. Your hands will get dirty though–there’s no way around it.
- Note from Priscilla: Rinse the quinoa a couple times until the water runs clear. Takes away most of the bitterness that people usually dislike. Lightly toasting before adding water is a good idea too.
- Why we made it: Healthy salad club, unite!
- Why you should make it: It’s fast, filling, and easy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of dry quinoa
- 2 handfuls of kale
- 2 small apples
- 2 small cucumbers
- 1 red bell pepper
- handful of almonds to top
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Equipment
- pan
- spatula
- knife
- cutting board
- bowls
About the Contributors
Fred Chang, Talon Managing Editor
Fred Chang (12) is the Managing Editor of the TALON Yearbook and co-creator of In a Nutshell. Her positions on yearbook were reporter, Copy Editor, and...
Priscilla Pan, Winged Post Features Editor
Priscilla Pan is the features editor for the Winged Post and co-creator of In a Nutshell. She is a senior and has been part of the journalism program for...