![“[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)
Upper School celebrates 69th U.N. Day
Mashable
In celebration of the 69th U.N. day, Upper School’s Model U.N. club has planted flags across campus.
The Upper School community celebrated the United Nations’ (U.N.) 69th anniversary of promoting international peace and preventing conflict today.
Established in 1945 in the aftermath of World War II, the U.N. campaigns for peace, advocates for fundamental human rights, combats poverty and provides humanitarian aid in impoverished countries.
The Secretariat, or officers of the Model U.N. club, have planted blue and white U.N. flags all across campus and gave away candy during both lunches to raise awareness.
Sophia Luo (11), Secretary-General of the Upper School’s Model U.N. chapter, comments on the positive impact the U.N. has made since its inception.
“The United Nations has brought world peace to different parts of the world and provided a forum for international collaboration,” Sophia said. “Although it may be slow in its decision making process, it effectively brings otherwise belligerent countries together for open discussion.”
Neymika Jain (10) believes that the U.N. has made a series of beneficial changes in the global community.
“To me, U.N. is an organization that unites the world and creates peace. I feel that the U.N. truly helps provide justice and equality for an international community,” Neymika said. “It advocates equality as the United Nations supports human rights. I think in 2011 the General Assembly advocated rights for the LGBT community.”
The Webmaster of the Model U.N. club, Sandip Nirmel (10), comments on the U.N.’s codification of International law.
“The United Nations is one of the few organizations that unites nearly all of the countries in the world. By setting Millennium Development Goals and structuring international policy, the United Nations sets the framework for proper diplomacy and peace,” Sandip said.
According to the U.N. website, current issues being debated range from environment and refugee protection, disaster relief, nuclear disarmament, sustainable development, counter terrorism, international health, human rights and gender equality, to clearing landmines and promoting democracy.
In an a White House press release concerning U.N. day, U.S. President Barack Obama addressed the pivotal role the U.N. plays in fostering peace.
“The United Nations supports our shared pursuit of a better world…On this day, let us resolve to strengthen and renew the United Nations. Let us choose hope over fear, collaboration over division, and humanity over brutality, as we work together to build a tomorrow marked by progress rather than suffering,” Obama said. “We can build a more peaceful and more prosperous future for all our children and grandchildren.”
On the evening of Oct. 24, a concert will be held in the U.N. General Assembly Hall in celebration where Secretary-General, Ban Ki Moon, will address the audience and acclaimed pianist Lang Lang will perform.
In an interview with Earth Times, Moon called upon both nations and individuals “to work in common cause for the common good.”
The next Model U.N. club conference, Bruinman, will be held at UCLA and take place from Nov. 8-9.
Tara Parimi (12) is co-Editor-in-Chief of Harker Aquila, and this is her fourth year on staff. She has been involved with the upper school's journalism...