![“[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)
Six new movies to watch in 2018
January 27, 2018
1. Paddington
Release date: January 12, 2018
Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Sequel Paddington 2 continues to explore the adventures of the marmalade-loving bear as he finally settles in with the Brown family and finds odd jobs to earn money to buy a perfect gift for his Aunt Lucy’s 100th birthday. When Paddington finally finds the ideal pop-up book, a thief steals the present. He races to find his book before the big birthday celebration.
Paddington 2 will make you want to meet the merry and cheerful red-hatted, blue-coated brown bear.
2. Black Panther
Release date: February 16, 2018
Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Marvel’s Black Panther proceeds from the events in Captain America: Civil War, as King T’Challa returns home to Wakanda. However, T’Challa must gear up as his alter ego, Black Panther, and ally with the CIA and the Dora Milaje, a female special forces team in Wakanda, as enemies team up and connive to overthrow his kingdom.
If you crave a new Marvel comic movie representation, Black Panther is worth considering especially as entertainment for over February break.
3. A Wrinkle in Time
Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
A Wrinkle in Time, based on the 1962 Madeleine L’Engle classic of the same name, explores the interdimensional journeys of three children, Meg, her brother Charles Wallace and her friend Calvin in finding her scientist father. They battle universal evil with the guidance of three peculiar ladies Mrs. Which, Mrs. Whatsit and Mrs. Who, played by Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon and Mindy Kaling respectively.
If you are looking for a little dash of Disney magic in a female-directed visual depiction of the sci-fi classic, this movie is for you.
4. Love, Simon
Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Love, Simon is a teen dramedy based on the book Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli. The film follows Simon, a closeted gay high school student, and his struggles with his identity. He has not told anyone about his sexuality, until he falls for a mysterious, anonymous classmate online.
If your looking for more diversity in mainstream American coming-of-age stories, Love, Simon will be a noteworthy film.
5. Incredible 2
Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
After 14 years, Pixar and Disney will release Incredibles 2, the sequel to the animated superhero movie The Incredibles. The Parr family struggles to fit into normal lives with Elastigirl, or Helen Parr, battling crime, while Mr. Incredible, or Bob Parr, tending to their children Violet, Dash and Jack-Jack, who possess secret powers. Soon, the family along with their friend Frozone battle a new villain The Underminer.
If you find yourself overcome with nostalgia for the days of coloring outside the lines with fractured crayons, Incredibles 2 will help with revisiting the untroubled childhood.
6. Crazy Rich Asians
Release date: Aug. 17, 2018
Gloria Zhang
Originating from Kevin Kwan’s novel Crazy Rich Asians, this movie follows protagonist Rachel Chu, played by “Fresh Off the Boat” actress Constance Wu, as she accompanies her boyfriend Nick Young to Singapore for his best friend’s wedding. Raised in a middle-classed family from Cupertino, California, Rachel is unaware of Nick being in the top ten wealthiest families in Asia until she meets his family. Soon, family drama ensues from differing values of image and prestige.
If you are scouting for a change in Hollywood, this all all-Asian casted film will be a summer highlight.
