![“[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)
Gold and gray moments at the Golden Globes
The Golden Globes are a celebration of excellence in film and TV. This year, it raised awareness of Hollywood sexual assault.
February 11, 2018
Gold: Oprah’s speech
Philanthropist moves crowd
Oprah Winfrey won the Cecil B. DeMille lifetime achievement award for her philanthropy, charity and contributions to the entertainment industry. The speech she gave touched upon racism, sexism, men in power and female empowerment. She spoke with grace and dignity and received three standing ovations during her speech. Oprah’s speech catalyzed speculation surrounding the possiblity of a 2020 presidential bid.
Gray: Not wearing black
Actors choose not to show their support for #MeToo Movement
Model Barbara Meier, actress Blanca Blanco, and President of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association Meher Tatna chose not to wear black for the Golden Globes Awards. Meier wore a colorful embroidered dress. Blanco chose a red velvet dress with cut-outs. “I love red,” Blanco said. “Wearing red does not mean I am against the movement.” Tatna wore a traditional red and gold embroidered ensemble. “As part of her Indian culture, it’s customary to wear a festive color during a celebration,” Tatna said.
Golden: “Big Little Lies” win
Cast advocates for social issues
The cast of “Big Little Lies,” featuring Laura Dern, Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon has been prevalent in advocating for the freedom and an end to the ongoing sexual harassment in Hollywood. They have used their influence to begin conversations on several controversial topics, and one especially took a stance on combatting bullying in schools. heard. Portman criticized the all-male nominees for best director which affirmed Witherspoon’s case for more female-led shows.
Gray: “Three Billboards” win
Movie criticized for portrayal of race
This year’s ‘Best Picture Drama’ award generated backlash after viewers began to speculate whether the movie was a tale of redemption or damnation, as the story featured a dull view on race. As critics began to review the piece, fans began to realize that the story was “unearned, manipulative and altogether offensive.”
This piece was originally published in the pages of The Winged Post on February 5, 2018.
