![“[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)
From June 19 to July 3, 19 students, accompanied by two chaperones and one advisor, traveled to Kihei, Maui for the annual summer journalism trip.
Living together in one house, the students will prepare for the coming school year by planning for their respective publications, learning copy editing skills, and familiarizing themselves with the cameras and computer programs to be used throughout the year.
“[I hope] to bond more with all the journalism students and to strengthen my skills in inDesign and photography,” Talon Sports Editor Sean Youn (11) said.
The students attending the trip consist of seven seniors, six juniors, five sophomores, and one freshman.
“From the trip, I just want to know what I am doing before I start freshman year,” Elisabeth Siegel (9) said. “I thought this would be a good place to get better at [photography and article writing].”
Outside the house, the students will have the opportunity to practice real world journalism by seeking out stories and interviewing local Hawaiians. When they are not working, students will also enjoy local activities such as snorkeling, sailing, and surfing.
“I hope that students will gain a better understanding of how to work together, how to work as a true journalist out in the real world, and to come back to school in the fall with a cohesive plan for their publications,” Chris Daren, journalism advisor, said.
Also accompanying the group are chaperones Julie Wheeler, AP U.S. History teacher, and Evan Barth, Upper School Dean of Studies.
The trip will conclude on July 3. Be sure to check TalonWP.com often for new stories, photo slideshows, and twitter updates from Hawaii.
