![“I wasn't discouraged by some of the obstacles we faced. I learned a lot from the leadership. I found that different people need different ways of receiving feedback — you can't [just] tell them to do something and expect the best. [Some] people needed more incentive. A large part of my role was to figure out what worked for everyone and to figure out how to lead all these separate individuals as a team,” Suhana Bhandare (’26) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/SuhanaBhandare_JasmineHansra-1-1200x798.jpg)
![“This is actually from Randy Pausch Randy P. Brick: ‘Walls are there for a reason. You have to show how much you want to overcome them.’ You have to show how much you want something. That's what I've always been able to do with tennis, Link Crew and getting that internship [with Kushy Baby]. It’s important pushing through that — getting around that brick wall, climbing over it or clawing through it,” Yash Sachdeva (’26) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/YashSachdeva_RamBatchu-copy-1200x1002.jpg)
![“[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: Curiosity cracks the code
Arjun Dixit approaches every obstacle with thoughtfulness and resilience
“For me, when it comes to robotics for example, whether it’s about mechanical software, or outside of it, the work I do, and even with app development, I am able to learn so much about problem solving in general. You’re able to apply abstract problem solving techniques anywhere,” Arjun Dixit (’22) said.
Arjun Dixit (‘22) recalls tinkering away at his computer, breathing life into a robot with a tapping of keys.
Arjun has fostered a lifelong fascination with electronics and begun to earnestly delve further into the field of computer science in middle school. After attending an event at Harker in eighth grade, where he was first introduced to robotics, he decided to join the Harker robotics team in his sophomore year of high school.
Within the robotics team, Arjun works directly on the software side. He enjoys the flexible nature of software, experimenting with unique and innovative techniques to program robots to their highest potential.
“My favorite part of robotics is exploring the capabilities of the robot,” Arjun said. “When I’m doing software-related things, the main thing that I enjoy about it is exploring how much I can automate the robot through various advanced techniques.”
Aside from his individual work, Arjun also values the team environment of robotics and the close bonds he has formed with his teammates, especially during competitions. Although the pandemic prevented him from attending several tournaments, it only made him cherish the hustle and excitement of the competitive environment even more.
“My favorite memory is going to the competitions,” Arjun said. “Sitting in the bleachers, working in the pit and hanging out with my friends after the competition [is really enjoyable]. It’s gratifying to see your robot perform.”
Even when a project takes Arjun longer than expected, his patience enables him to flourish in robotics. Upper school computer science department chair and robotics adviser Dr. Eric Nelson notes Arjun’s ability to work under pressure.
“When you work on a really long project that takes a lot of energy out of you, it’s really easy to get snippy and aggravated, but Arjun doesn’t, which makes him an absolute gem to work with in robotics because it really is an environment where people tend to lose their calm easily,” Dr. Nelson said.
Arjun further explores his love for computer science through research. Recently, he analyzed security vulnerabilities in third party development packages, detailing his findings in a research paper.
“[My favorite part of research] is mainly exploration,” Arjun said. “You’re constantly learning. Not only are you learning about the field that you’re in, but you’re also learning a lot about the research process in general and what it takes to create something. I’m discovering something someone might not have found before.”
Through research, Arjun has also connected with a variety of people from unique backgrounds. He appreciates how, by working with and learning from others, he can expand his own perspective.
“One time, I got the chance to work with someone from Greece, and another time with a group of people from India, and it was really interesting because you got to see many different approaches, and I learned a lot from that experience,” he said. “I think it changes the way that you think.”
Arjun’s eagerness to collaborate and connect with others translates to his personal life as well. Close friend Deven Shah (‘22) admires Arjun’s fearlessness and his willingness to voice his own ideas despite appearing reserved at the surface level.
“Although Arjun has never been one to be outspoken, he is always a very logical person and a very thoughtful person, despite how quiet he is,” Deven said. “He is someone who isn’t afraid to go against what others think, and I think the world does need people like that.”
Whether working with code and technology or working with others, Arjun brings a new perspective to problem solving, constantly thinking and searching for alternative solutions. He has developed a love for the trial and error and exploration involved in both robotics and research.
“When it comes to robotics, whether it’s design or mechanical software, or outside of it, the work I do with web development and app development, I am able to learn so much about problem solving in general,” Arjun said. “You’re able to apply abstract problem solving techniques anywhere.”
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