![“[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)
Talon releases interactive features on Aurasma
Talon released their 2014-2015 public “Auras” on Aurasma, a free augmented reality app, for the yearbook, “But Wait…there’s more.”
Aurasma, developed by London-based software company Autonomy, uses image recognition technology to display digital interactive media on top of real life images and is available on iPhones, iPads and Android devices. Talon has created auras for 21 images in the yearbook, each accompanied by related videos and other multimedia content.
“I think Aurasma is a good addition to the yearbook. It definitely provides a more in-depth look at the stories yearbook,” said Michael Kwan (9). “I like that it has [a variety] of videos and pictures. It should be used in future years.”
After downloading the Aurasma app and making an account, press the grey arrow on the bottom of the screen. Find and follow the channel “Talon Yearbook 2014-2015”. Under Auras, the page numbers and the subject of the Auras are shown. Tap the square button at the bottom to open the viewfinder, and hold your phone above one of the designated images and the content will play.
A variety of reasons prevented some students from downloading and using the app.
“I didn’t know it existed,” said Karen Qi (11).
As seniors received their yearbooks on their annual trip to Laguna Beach, some could not the find the time to go through the yearbook and Aurasma.
“I was busy enjoying the time I had left with my friends,” said Andrew Zhang (12). “I never really got to sit down and take a good look at the yearbook, so I never found out about Aurasma.”
Shikhar Solanki (9) commented on the lack of an all-encompassing video.
“I would rather have a video overview. Specific moments are directed to specific people, but a general overview covers the whole school, and I like that over specific groups of people,” said Shikhar. “I think [Aurasma] focused on too little people.”
The app can be downloaded on the App Store or on Google Play.
Adrian Chu (12) is a columnist for the Winged Post and Aquila. He has served as an Opinion Editor for The Winged Post. This is his fourth year in journalism,...