![“[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)
Humans of Harker: Jonathan Liu desires to takes on business in his future
“Business gives you infinite possibilities. One day you could be starting your own tech company and on another, you could be providing microfinance loans to farmers in rural China. Whatever the reason, business allows the world come together and gives anyone the opportunity to chase their passions,” Jonathan Liu (12) said.
April 19, 2017
Coming from a family where both parents are in business and dinner talks revolve around economics and politics, Jonathan Liu (12) is naturally navigating towards a similar career path.
He credits his stepfather as his guiding force and mentor.
“He’s told me everything he has done and has given me amazing advice that I won’t forget,” he said. “He’s a huge factor of why I’m interested and he’s given me a lot of opportunities to take my interest to the next level.”
At Harker, Jonathan has been able to explore his interest in business through classes and extracurricular activities. He credits AP Economics, his favorite subject, for teaching him the real life applications of business and economics.
“One of my favorite classes at Harker is AP Economics, which makes sense, because I want to pursue business,” Jonathan said. “Mr. Lepler, who taught me it, teaches me how Economics also applies to real life, so that was one of my best ways to learn about business.”
He’s also been involved in DECA as well as leadership roles in community service. He’s involved in a service club called Impacts that helps to finance rural farmers overseas.
“Business gives you infinite possibilities. One day you could be starting your own tech company and on another, you could be providing microfinance loans to farmers in rural China,” he said. “Whatever the reason, business allows the world come together and gives anyone the opportunity to chase their passions.”
Jonathan plans to pursue his secondary education in business administration, but his true goal is to help society on the larger level by starting a non-profit.
“What motivates me to study hard is to get a better education and a job that will let me help people on a massive scale,” he said. “Overall, throughout my life, I just want to find opportunities to help the community.”
When Jonathan is not busy with classes or community service, he can be found on the basketball court. It’s his way to escape the stresses of the day.
“I don’t have any worries while playing basketball. You don’t want any expectations – I just want to go out there and not think about anything else except my plays and my ball game.”
Motivated in the classroom, eagerly leading in clubs and grounded on the basketball court, Jonathan has bright dreams for a future dedicated to compassion in service and business.
