![“[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)
First week of the second semester begins
Alexander Wang
Victor Shin (9) and Brandon Mo (9) discuss homework at a table in front of Manzanita Hall. Students start the second semester off strong by working hard.
Students implement new classes and shift schedules with the beginning of a new semester of high school. While the semester presents a great deal of change for some students, it has a minimal impact on others.
The new semester began after a three day weekend for Martin Luther King, Jr. day, allowing students to recuperate from the final days of the first semester.
“Last week was very stressful because it was the last week of semester one, and it was my last chance to raise my grades,” Victor Shin (9) said.
Grades have been finalized for the first semester and will soon be available for student and parent access on PCR. The grades were finalized at 8 a.m. Wednesday morning.
Adrian Chu (9) works on his computer in the library. Students use the study room at the back of the library for quiet study.
The new semester has brought some changes in students’ schedules and changed the composure of students in classes..
“Some of my friends moved out of my lunch period,” sophomore Joyce Zhao said.
For students who have selected single-semester courses, their schedules have changed to reflect the new courses.
“I got to start my second semester courses and they’re very fun,” senior Leon Chin said. “I get to start my last semester of high school.”
As seniors enter their final semester of high school, the final stretch before graduation on May 23, juniors start college counseling during their Tuesday Extra Help periods.
“I’ve basically gotten all my Tuesday extra help [periods] stripped from me. I had my first session today,” Michael Zhao (11) said. “I feel excited to start the process, but I feel a bit apprehensive.”
Harry Xu (12) works in the library along with many other students who are there to work on homework and study.
Although there are changes in schedules, Michael feels that course load is more or less the same. Most students, like Michael, will continue their year-long classes while seniors like Harry Xu (12) will take on new courses.
“There’s the obvious different courses because, as a senior, you have more elective choices,” Harry said. “These have caused me to change periods. I’m meeting new people and trying a new course, which is more like college course level.”
Students still have the opportunity to change their schedules and have until the end of next week to change or drop any classes.
Alex Wang (12) is the opinion editor for Harker Aquila in his fourth year on staff. He was previously sports editor in his junior year. His favorite part...