![“[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)
Did you know: Jay Paranjpe, the boy who wears all green
Jay Paranjpe (10) wears green every single day to school. He doesn’t wear green on St. Patrick’s Day.
The Winged Post interviewed sophomore Jay Paranjpe about his choice to dress in green from head to toe every day.
WP: When did you start wearing all green?
JP: Seventh grade, I was around 13.
WP: Why did you start wearing all green?
JP: I don’t know. I just really like green, so why not? I was buying clothes for the new school year and since I like green I got green polos.
WP: Is Saint Patrick’s Day your favorite holiday?
JP: Well yeah, probably just because of the sure amount of people wearing green. But usually as a joke I try not to wear green on Saint Patrick’s Day.
WP: Do you think you will stop wearing all green in the future?
JP: I don’t really predict getting a sudden change of personality in the future but maybe, probably not though.
WP: Are there any occasions that you don’t wear green?
JP: Not really. Even when I go to debate tournaments I wear a green suit.
WP: Do you have any tips on incorporating green into your wardrobe?
JP: Hmm. When you go for light shades of green try to pair them with lighter shades too. Dark shades pair them with other dark shades and if you have a jacket you can pair them with that too.
This piece was originally published in the pages of The Winged Post on March 13, 2015.
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,...