![“[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)
Stationery to inspire studying
It may be the last day before break, but it’s never too early to think about studying. If you’re in need of some studying inspiration for these last few days of school before break, get encouraged to take notes by the following stationery. Instead of carrying around large monochrome notebooks, try switching to smaller, more cheerful journals to save space.
Beautifully decorated with a melange of colorful vintage illustrations of butterflies, this set of two 96-paged notebooks comes with one ruled and one graph paper notebook. Versatile in function, they can be used for everything from making to-do lists to drawing conics to writing notes on speciation and evolution in biology class.
With this 12 pack of multicolor pocket-sized notebooks, you’ll never be without an outlet for sketching, doodling or jotting down ideas on the go. Made with recycled paper that can handle most drawing media well, these notebooks are perfect for journaling in. Unlike loose paper or digital files, you’ll always have your journals to look back at over the years.
#3-This journal
The classic Moleskine journal is a slightly larger, desk-sized notebook with durable thread-bound binding. With its 240 lined pages, this journal is popular for its simplicity and would be a great option for taking year-round notes. Moleskine hard cover journals also have built-in elastic closures that hold the covers closed when not in use, a cloth ribbon placeholder and an expandable pocket for holding miscellaneous papers.
This set of three center-sewn notebooks in beautiful art deco patterns feature metallic foil stamping on the covers and single-color lined interiors. These slim 64-page notebooks are perfect to take notes on a specialized project or topic. Unlike loose notecards or binder paper, you’ll always have your notebooks to study from and refer to in the future, such as when finals come up.
#5-This journal
When you’re tired of studying, take this large map-covered travel journal everywhere and anywhere to record your thoughts and surroundings. With 144 lined pages, classic cream lined paper and an elastic closure, this handy travel journal will always be ready to capture your sketches, notes, contacts or anything else that comes your way.
Kavya Ramakrishnan (12) is the managing editor of the Winged Post. This is her fourth year on staff, having previously held the positions of reporter and...