![“[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)
5 rising K-pop acts to watch this year
Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
February 24, 2018
1. Stray Kids
Initially announced last August, Stray Kids quickly garnered attention with their first pre-debut single, Hellevator, and consists of nine members—although at one point, the group was slated to debut with only seven of their current members. In October, the group participated in a reality television show in which the boys demonstrated their performance and music-producing skills in order to defend their spots in the final lineup. Two members were eliminated during the show, but to the relief of many fans, they later re-joined the group. With a confirmed 2018 debut and the release of their successful pre-debut EP, “Mixtape,” Stray Kids has become one of the most anticipated acts in K-pop.
2. LOONA
Even before debut, LOONA has already been letting each of its members display her own unique talents. Each month since October 2016, record label Blockberry Creative has announcing new members or sub-units of members, and new members have been releasing singles upon joining the group. The eleventh member of LOONA, Go Won, was revealed on Jan. 15 and released her single “One & Only” on Jan. 30. After more than a year of teaser music, fans are ready to support LOONA’s debut once they reveal their twelfth and final member.
3. Holland
In perhaps one of the boldest decisions ever, singer Holland debuted as the first openly gay K-pop idol. The music video and lyrics for his debut single, “Neverland,” reflect his emotions and experiences in battling discrimination as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. In a country where same-sex marriage is illegal, Holland’s debut represents a huge step forward for representation.
4. Samuel
Entering the entertainment industry at only 11 years old, Samuel already had five years of training and experience when he participated television show “Produce 101,” where he quickly gained popularity. In the second season of Produce 101, the top 11 out of 101 competitors got to debut as a boy group. Although Samuel ultimately ranked at eighteenth and was unable to join the group, he soon saw success after releasing his first solo album, “Sixteen,” on Aug. 2.
5. Chungha
After ranking fourth out of 101 girls on Produce 101’s first season, Chungha rose to fame as a part of the show’s project girl group, I.O.I, which eventually disbanded in January last year. Later, she debuted as a solo act on June 7 with her EP “Hands on Me.” She recently released her second EP, “Offset,” on Jan. 17 and received the award for Best New Artist at the Seoul Music Awards shortly after. With her strong entrance and solid fanbase, Chungha is now one of the most promising stars in the K-pop scene.
