![“[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)
Harker sophomore builds clothing designs in free time
Through growing up around family members in the fashion design industry, Rani Sheth (10) quickly found her passion for designing dresses and gowns. Now, she has crafted her unique style, incorporating materials like silk and tulle and following fashion icons such as Oscar de la Renta and Christian Siriano.
Mahika Halepete
Rani looks through a book of designs for inspiration. She is well-known for her unique clothing designs.
May 25, 2018
Rani’s sketchbook is filled with her designs. The entire process, from sketching to completion, takes her between five and 15 hours to make each piece.
Rani cites Oscar de la Renta and Christian Siriano as her style inspirations. “They have what I would say is a similar style to what my style is. They’re very classy and unique,” she says.
Rani guides a piece of repurposed fabric through the sewing machine. “Some people, when I tell them I’m into fashion…they don’t get that designing takes a lot of work, a lot of craftsmanship and skill to do,” Rani says.
A dress Rani designed and crafted, made of a embroidered sheer fabric, is hung up on a wall. “I like working with silk, I love tulle. Really whatever material I think suits my piece,” Rani says.
A drawer in Rani’s room contains colorful fabrics. “When I was younger, the only thing I really had to work with was saris which my mom would give me,” Rani says. “A lot of my work is very colorful, and I like really bright colors.”
Another drawer is filled with threads and clothing embellishments. Rani’s work often incorporates beads and embellished belts in addition to the colorful fabrics.
Rani attaches a beaded belt onto one of her pieces. Her work often incorporates beads and embellished belts in addition to the colorful fabrics.
Rani often repurposes materials; this skirt was crafted from pieces of repurposed denim.
