![“[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)
Students prepare for finals next week
With the final exams approaching quickly, we take a look into the thought around campus about these important tests.
This set of tests are the first high school finals the freshman are taking, so pressure is mounting as the time to study begins to run out.
“I’m scared, “ freshman Randy Zhao said. “There’s more pressure to actually study because this actually counts, unlike in the middle school because now your finals actually matter for your GPA.”
Freshman Sohenee Banerjee has a studying strategy.
“I’m reviewing all my tests and quizzes and the worksheets we were given in class during lessons,” Sohenee said. “And I’m also going over any exam reviews teachers have given me.”
Although the sophomores have experienced high school finals before, this will be the first time many of them are taking AP level exams.
“I’m kind of nervous about it because I have two APs,” Niki Iyer (10) said. “Its a huge exam but I’m a sophomore so I know how to do it. ”
With finals worth a large portion of a student’s grade, and the junior year one of the most important years, junior Zeyad El-Arabaty gives insight about these upcoming exams.
“I’m studying a bit every night of every subject,” Zeyad said. “They’re really important because its the junior year; it’s a really critical point in High School, so I have to take them seriously.”
Without the requirement to take finals, the seniors are feeling much less pressure on test taking, and much more on college applications.
“Its really great to not have to worry about finals and college apps.” senior Sarah Bean said. “If you’ve paid attention during class throughout the year in class you should have no problem with finals. Spend a few hours studying them and you’ll do fine.”
English teacher Ben Spencer-Cooke gives tips on how to study for the final.
“In terms of getting ready I would take as much guidance as possible from the teacher,” Spencer-Cooke said. “The teachers are going to really guide you in terms of getting through the final.”
Although finals may be speeding toward us, we can all be thankful that we will not have to study during the winter break.
Justin Su (11) is the Aquila sports columnist. He has been a part of the journalism program since his freshman year. He hopes to bring his passion for...