![“[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)
Goodbye, 2020. Hello, 2021.
January 5, 2021
As we say goodbye to 2020, the Harker community reflects on the most exciting, catastrophic and positive events that have affected their lives this year. What has 2020 allowed us to learn about ourselves? In the midst of all the chaos, shelter-in place has given us the time to turn our thoughts inward, focusing on our own self-reflection.
“I think with all the challenges that 2020 presented, you really learn a lot about yourself. You learn you’re much stronger than you may think you are,” Alex Zhai (12) said.
What helped us get through what happened in 2020? Calls with our family, friends and classmates kept us connected to each other, helping us appreciate the positivity and joy that others can bring into our lives. Looking forward, these relationships need to be treasured and kept close to our hearts.
2020 also brought the Black Lives Matter movement to the spotlight, in a long overdue nationwide fight for change in our country. As we head into a new year, we must continue advocating for social justice and racial equality.
“I think another big thing that happened in 2020 was just starting discussions on, for example, systemic racism. And that’s an issue that didn’t start in 2020. But it started a lot of conversations then, and those conversations will hopefully continue in 2021 and beyond,” Natasha Yen (12) said.
As we say hello to 2021, Harker students speak on what the new year can bring to our school, our country and the world we live in. They strive to learn from the many lessons and experiences that the past year has presented us with, and, above all, share a hope to reunite again in the future.
“Getting back into school and seeing everybody again, it’s not just about seeing your friends. It’s about seeing the whole community coming together,” Shayla He (9) said.
