![“[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)
Winter fashion trends
(From left to right) Sixties-inspired cuts, oversized coats, sheared jackets, warm knits, capes, and velvet dresses are a must for this season.
Everything about winter trends are wearable–comfy jackets, knee-high boots, even statement coats are in. There are too many options for a cozy, chic outfit this season. Try on these new looks to pair up with the upcoming weather.
Sixties-inspired dresses: Take a note from the classics this winter and shop for a 60’s inspired dress. A-lines, mini-skirts, and trapeze dresses were all the rage on this year’s runways. Pair the outfit with a chunky heeled knee-high boot for the full retro look. Mini-skirt length dresses and tights are an easy way to keep an outfit chic while staying warm.
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Knits: As California finally begins to rear into sweater weather, chunky knits spike in popularity. With a warm hot chocolate and knitted sweater, this look will put you in the holiday spirit. Try pairing your knit with skinny jeans or jeggings to balance out the chunky top.
Furs: This winter is traveling back in time, harkening the 20’s for this trend. Fur and sheared jackets will keep you warm and comfy during this time of year.
Oversized coats: This one is a no-brainer. The only thing better than a blanket is a jacket that feels like one. Huge, oversized coats are a must for this season.
Aspen chic: The 70’s cult argyle sweater has made a big return to this season’s runways, revamped for chic weather wear. Holiday and Aspen-themed sweaters can be worn as your favorite winter sweater, with skinny jeans, or any form-fitting bottom. ‘Tis the season for “ugly Christmas sweaters.” Dress like a tree ornament and look for Aspen-like prints.
Cardigan sweater: This look combines two of our new favorite trends – the oversized jacket and the comfy knit. Oversized cardigan sweaters were extremely popular last year and have remained relevant this year as well. To complete your outfit, embrace the cuddly, soft silhouette or wrap with a skinny belt to emphasize your waist.
Capes: Again, we’re back to the 60’s. Both cute and chic the cape has made its return to the runways. Keep your look casual and chic with skinny jeans and knee-high boots. Because a cape by nature is very dramatic, keep your outfit simple and functional with a simple bottom and shoes or boots.
Velvet: Finally, for the perfect holiday dress, ditch the leather and go for the velvet. Designers this year kept the look edgy with lace cut-outs and fun tailoring, like Chanel’s iconic velvet jumpsuit. Velvet dresses and velvet blazers for men are the perfect way to make a statement this holiday season.
Kaity Gee (12) is the assistant Editor in Chief of Wingspan. Serving as a reporter for TALONWP freshman year, Kaity has written pieces for Winged Post...