![“[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: One step at a time
Neil Tipirneni gives to others
“I am a mix of an extrovert and an introvert. I like talking to myself, but I enjoy other people’s company. Ambivert, I guess,” Neil Tipirneni (12) said.
Wearing a Harker water polo jacket, Neil Tipirneni (12) sits, slightly leaning against the table, exuding a quiet confidence. Seeming sure of himself, he talks with a calm, steady voice. Despite his stoic exterior, Neil’s friends described him as outgoing and funny.
“I think that some of my friends would also think that I am calm and collected sometimes,” Neil said, “But when the situation calls for it, I’m all funny and goofy, and I like to fool around a lot.”
While Neil still can be wild, Neil’s advisor, chemistry teacher Andrew Irvine, believes that he has become more mature and is proud of his development.
“He was a diamond in the rough that need guidance and shaping,” Mr. Irvine said, “I think that not only did I help shape the senior he is today, he actually helped me make another step as a teacher and learn how to see potential in students like that and help him reach his potential.”
“What matters most to him is keeping everything light, especially when you’re bogged down with college apps and everyone’s stressed,” Cameron Jones (12), one of Neil’s friends he made in advisory, “Neil can really lighten [the atmosphere], crack jokes…I guess he has an ability to do that.”
Neil’s motivation to tell jokes is as simple as wanting to cause joy in others.
“I just like making jokes. I like seeing other people laugh,” Neil declared, “It just brings some happiness to me that I can make other people more cheerful.”
Neil does not just improve the lives of others through his humor; he also participates in community service. His parents ingrained the need to do community service in Neil and his brother as they grew up. After ninth grade, Neil started to enjoy doing community service and became co-president of the non-profit organization Computer Programing for All (CPFA).
“Seeing the impact it can have on another human being, that was a big deal to me,” Neil said. “ I think that pushed me to start my own organization, CPFA, to teach underprivileged kids programming.”
Catherine Feng (10) is the assistant copy editor for the Winged Post. This is her second year on staff, and she hopes to improve her journalistic skills...
Kathy Fang (12) is the editor-in-chief of Harker Aquila. This is her fourth year on staff. From covering local marches and protests to initiating Harker...