![“[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)
At home and entertained: Movies and TV shows to watch during shelter-in-place
May 3, 2020
While we are all stuck at home with the continuing shelter-in-place order, TV shows and movies have emerged as essential sources of entertainment for everyone. Here is a selection of four of the best ones to watch, ranging from comedies to dramas to romance, that are sure to spice up your day!
EMMA
A mix of satire and comedy, “EMMA,” based on the Jane Austen novel of the same name, shines a spotlight on a young woman looking for a man to love.
While growing up, the eponymous Emma Woodhouse (Anya Taylor-Joy) tries to navigate her way around romance, family issues and high society drama. The spoiled, arrogant twenty-year-old considers her matchmaking skills phenomenal while, in reality, creating complications wherever she goes. While Emma attempts to stitch her love life together, she mentors a young girl in the ways of high society life.
The sweet and heartfelt moments Emma and her young friend share bring out maternal qualities in Emma and show how she attempts to care for everyone around her, though not always successful. Though slow-paced, the movie is filled with comical one-liners and sarcastic humor that are sure to make anybody laugh.
Little Women
Directed by Greta Gerwig and based on Louisa May Alcott’s novel of the same name, “Little Women” showcases the March family of women going through the chaotic motions of life. Falling in love, starting careers and deathly sicknesses are only a small part of what makes this movie’s storyline so enjoyable. Not only do certain characters make you swoon, but the sisters’ charming relationship makes you fall in love with them.
Tracing the full storyline of Jo March’s (Saoirse Ronan) life by switching between present-day and flashback, “Little Women” blends both past and present together into a poignant, endearing tale that will touch your heart.
Kim’s Convenience
If you’re looking for a laugh, “Kim’s Convenience” should be your first stop. The comical Netflix TV show follows two Korean parents who immigrate from Korea to Canada and open a convenience store. The parents, Appa and Umma, face daily challenges in the shop while struggling to integrate themselves into a new culture.
The parents have two polar-opposite children: the art student Janet (Andrea Bang) and the alienated first-born son, Jung (Simu Liu). Jung, a high-school delinquent, has a fractured relationship with his dad but is still on good terms with his mom, making for a complicated familial relationship, while Janet struggles to develop a sense of self. The show is sure to make you die of laughter as you watch the family go through the formalities of western life while trying not to lose touch with their Korean culture.
Gilmore Girls
This seven-season-long comedy TV show is a classic that is sure to last you through quarantine. Based on the story of a teen mom, her daughter and her grandmother, the story shows the importance of family relationships.
While the grandmother, Emily (Kelly Bishop), lives in her high society world, the mom, Lorelai (Lauren Graham), struggles with jobs and romance and the daughter, Rory (Alexis Bledel), goes through typical high school drama: bullies, relationships and grades. Not only does this series highlight the strong mother-daughter bond between Lorelai and Rory, it also brings the colorful characters and warmth of a small town to life. And even if you finish the series, don’t fear: there’s also a four-episode reunion special called “A Day in The Life” that takes place five years later and gives more insight into the characters’ lives and growth.
