![“[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)
Five movies to watch this holiday season
November 5, 2015
With cold weather and rainy days comes the season for hot chocolate and good movies. Check out this list of movies that will help kickstart your winter movie marathon and brighten up your holidays.
1. Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens
On Dec. 18, 2015, J. J. Abrams will release the seventh movie in the Star Wars series, starring Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker and Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia. This episode will further the journeys of Skywalker, from the science fiction stories by George Lucas.
2. Spectre [PG-13]
James Bond, played by Daniel Craig, comes to Rome to address a puzzling message brought to him. After meeting a widow of a notorious criminal, Bond discovers an illegal company– Spectre. When Bond finally gains the assistance of his enemy’s daughter, he comes closer to the center of the organization. Due to be out on Nov. 6, 2015, this action film directed by Sam Mendes is the twenty fourth in the James Bond Film Series since 1962.
3. The Peanuts Movie [PG]
Directed by Steve Martino, this Charlie Brown tale of comedy and classic fun celebrates 50 years of A Charlie Brown Christmas. In this movie, the viewers follow Brown, in the voice of Noah Schnapp, and his dog Snoopy on his journey back home. Watch Charlie Brown embark on a journey to chase his nemesis, the Red Baron. The family film is to be released in 3D on Nov.
6, 2015.
4. Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 [PG-13]
In this much awaited finale of the Hunger Games directed by Francis Lawrence, Jennifer Lawrence, Katniss, and Josh Hutcherson, Peeta, star in the “Mockingjay Part 2,” where the pair and two of their best friends go from District 13 around their world, to escape their society of pain and torture. This science fiction’s first was released on March 23, 2012, and three years later, Nov. 20, 2015, marks the end of yet another dystopian fantasy film series.
5. The Night Before [R]
This holiday movie features three childhood friends, Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Ethan, Seth Rogen as Isaac, and Anthony Mackie as Chris, that strive to make their last Christmas party as adults just as fun as their first as children that they spent together. Directed by Jonathan Levine, this comedy is to be released on Nov. 25, 2015.
