![Setter Emma Lee (9) sets the ball to the middle during the match against Pinewood on Sept. 12. “[I’m looking forward to] getting more skilled, learning more about my position and also becoming better friends with all of my teammates, Emma said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/DSC_4917-2-1200x795.jpg)
![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasnt been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but Ive had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. Theres so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesnt exist, you can build it yourself, Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“Animation just clicked in a way. I had been interested in art, but that felt different. [Animation] felt like it had something behind it, whereas previous things felt surface level. I wasnt making that crazy of things, but just the process of doing it was much more enjoyable, Carter Chadwick (22) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Screen-Shot-2022-08-16-at-9.44.08-AM-900x598.png)
![“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 its played such a major role in who Ive 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 Im [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)
![“[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)
![“Im 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 theres a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyones 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)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you arent going to get those championships if you arent 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)
![“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)
Learning balance as a junior
May 23, 2019
Junior year is nothing short of a balancing act. Many students consider their third year of high school the worst and most stressful year, and they are correct to an extent. More things are being dumped onto your plate than you can possibly consume. Classes are becoming increasingly difficult. The looming, dreadful presence of college applications are right on the horizon. But the truth often defies simplicity.
For me, it is all about approaching school with the right mindset. Going to school every day expecting the worst out of the “worst” year in school only exacerbates the stress. Instead, I prefer to perceive school through an opportunistic lens. More items on the to-do list mean more opportunities for self-improvement; harder classes mean more learning; college counseling every Tuesday in the second semester means a chance to better understand colleges – and yourself. Completing junior year with the mindset of simply surviving and receiving an “I Completed Junior Year” sticker after finals can cause a quick downward spiral. There isn’t just light at the end of the tunnel; the whole tunnel is illuminated and full of opportunities. All that’s needed is a happy, optimistic outlook.
Furthermore, I’ve found it pivotal to realize that there is more to life than academics and extracurriculars. At a rigorous environment like Harker, it is often easy to lose sight of what’s important, and I am not talking about that A+ in chemistry or being accepted into an exclusive summer program. I’m talking about simply having fun and doing whatever is most pleasurable. Personally, weekend bike rides, fishing trips, and even something as simple as watching the latest Marvel movie, listening to my favorite music, or hanging out with friends can go a long way in destressing and staying happy. The absolute worst thing to do is to become completely consumed by school.
I understand that walking on the balance beam is tough; after all, the fall down seems tumultuous and dangerous. But tripping and falling is not a problem. Everyone around you – teachers, friends, family – is there to catch you. Just get back on your feet, climb back on, and smile.
