![“[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)
Obama’s Legacy: A look back at the Obama administration’s key events and legislature
October 18, 2016
As the 2016 presidential election approaches with candidates’ campaigns and debates, President Barack Obama will leave a legacy eight years in the making for his successor.
As commander-in-chief of the United States, Obama influenced both domestic and foreign policies, with some of the major changes including introducing a new healthcare system with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and efforts against terrorist groups Taliban and al Qaeda in Iraq.
The Obama Administration issued the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, in March of 2010, increasing healthcare insurance and affordability for more individuals.
“I think Obamacare was probably the most sweeping and most consequential part of the Obama legacy,” said Felix Wu (‘15), currently a Field Organizer at the Iowa Democratic Party. “I think he’s been very intentional about the issues which he chooses to take on. During his second term, for instance, take the executive order that was pretty controversial that protected undocumented immigrants’ families. Executive orders like that or initiating negotiations with Iran on the Iran nuclear deal or opening up trade with Cuba again, I think all of those issues or policy decisions are examples of how President Obama has been very strategic in the kind of issues that he wants to take on, and he’s been successful in implementing them.”
In terms of foreign policy, the Obama Administration dealt with international relations in countries such as Russia and promoting peace in other countries; for example, the Obama administration attempted to re-establish diplomatic relations and trade with Cuba.
“He’s really learned how to reach out to the people, if you look at things like his ability to connect,” said AP U.S. Government and Politics teacher Carol Green. “I think that he’s really reached out and left a positive view of America in terms of foreign policy and foreign relations, reaching out to nations, extending an open hand. The relations with Cuba would be a great example of that.”
Obama has also expanded protections for individuals targeted by hate crimes due to their sexual identity and orientation as well as made education more accessible.
This piece was originally published in the pages of The Winged Post on October 10, 2016.
