![“[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)
Last-minute Winter Ball ideas
If you’re still in need of a dress with Winter Ball less than three days away, look no further. Read this article to help you find the perfect dress.
Winter Ball is the next big student event. Whether you will be asking someone to the dance or flying solo, it can be a night to remember.
During the week, students are busy with school and an array of extracurriculars, so we do not have the luxury of spending hours at the mall searching for the perfect outfit. Some of us spend big bucks on our homecoming attire, while others choose to shop with a budget. Shopping for this event can definitely be stressful, especially when there are so many different things to choose from.
Thankfully, there are many stores all over the Bay Area that have a wide variety of inexpensive dresses, shoes, accessories, and more. For instance, Forever 21 constantly has massive sales for their dresses and shoes; students are bound to find a show-stopping outfit for under $70. Other stores that offer a cheaper variety of ensembles include Macy’s, JC Penny, Styles For Less, Ross, H&M, Nordstrom Rack and so much more. Many department stores have special sections dedicated to event dresses, which make it easy to pick and choose.
If you are looking for a more expensive and unique dress, stores like Nordstrom, Charlotte Russe, Zara, Urban Outfitters, and Free People have teen-appropriate items varying from $75-250. They also sell high quality accessories that will dazzle on the dancefloor.
Winter Ball is filled with many opportunities to bust out your new dance moves, or ask your crush to dance… So why not do it in a show-stopping outfit?
Jenna Sadhu (10) is a Social Media Reporter for the Winged Post and has been a part of the Harker community since Kindergarten. She plays on lacrosse,...