![“[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)
Second semester allows for more exploration
A freshman once more
March 4, 2016
On an unseasonably warm Thursday this month, sprawled on a couch in the journalism room, I watched students stroll back and forth through the heart of campus, hurrying to class. Splotches of sun spilled in through the windows, and I nearly dozed off. For the first time in three years, I felt relaxed, carefree and calm.
I felt like a freshman again.
On a superficial level: I am no longer an active member of any club, save for journalism. I’m taking physics. Dr. Douglas (who taught sections of English 1 until last year) is once again my teacher. The comparison was airtight.
I know I have less than three months to explore everything that should’ve been done in a span of three years.
When I mentioned these revelations to a real freshman, he had a different diagnosis: senioritis. Relaxed? Calm? Yeah, right. Between finishing The Odyssey and memorizing the exploits of ancient civilizations in World History, he said, he had plenty to worry about.
But after a long, painful semester under the shadow of the college application process, I’ve finally had a chance to slow down and explore. I’ve started taking yoga classes, playing ping pong in the gym, and taking long walks around campus. Two weeks ago, I spent an hour with a group of friends trying (and failing) to learn an obscure variant of Bridge.
I tried not to wax philosophical as I stared out the window, but the feeling was bittersweet. I know I have less than three months to explore everything that should’ve been done in a span of three years.
Maybe I should’ve taken that free period – or played quiz bowl – or joined the linguistics club – or heeded Kerry and Mr. Irvine shouting in the Edge to participate in spirit events.
I finally have the time to start these activities, but not nearly enough to fully enjoy them.
To the real freshmen – the Class of 2020 – take chances and do what excites you. Enjoy the ability to explore without making commitments – you might not experience it again for another three years.
This piece was originally published in the pages of the Winged Post on Mar. 2, 2016.
