![“[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)
The Red Cross Club hosted the annual blood drive on Wednesday, February 3, with Blood Centers of the Pacific. Faculty, staff, parents, and students participated in donating blood in order to help out others in need. Out of the 110 who signed up, 75 ultimately were able to give blood.
White coats, needles, medical chairs, and the smell of the cleanliness of a doctors’ office permeated the atmosphere as the anticipating donors sat on the cold, green folding chairs in the gymnasium. Although some were regular blood donors, most had never given more than the amount needed for a blood test.
In planning the event, the club decided to provide breakfast for all donors. Alex Han (12), president of the Red Cross Club, said, “One new feature we added for the blood drive this year is a blood drive breakfast. Since donating blood is a huge commitment on the donors’ parts, we thought it would be a nice way to thank them in advance for their help.”
Throughout the day, the gym was filled with students in 11th or 12th grade, most of whom were first-time donors. Many who had not met the requirements last year took the new opportunity.
“I really wanted to do it last year and now also, especially because of everything that’s happened in Haiti. I really feel like it’s our duty to help people in need and I don’t think that donating blood is such a painful process,” Daniel Cho (11) said.
Even faculty, staff, and parents participated in the drive. Denise Hayashi, senior advisor, said, “I wanted to help the Haiti victims. I mean, isn’t that what we’re all here for?”
However, students who were healthy and ready to donate were often turned down. Daisy Lin (12) commented, “I think [the requirements] were ridiculous. I really wanted to donate, but to qualify I had to gain almost 20 pounds.”
Sebastian Herscher (10), who met the height and weight requirements, was also unable to donate for a different reason. “While I would have liked to, I was in Costa Rica last December. Because of supposed blood-borne diseases that existed, I am not allowed to give blood.”
Craig Hough, supervisor of the blood drive, expressed his amazement in all the students who chose to participate. “I think kids coming here to give blood is perfect. Blood drives start with the youth. Statistics show that if you donate three times in high school, that you usually become a lifetime donor.”
Even though the blood drive was not directly meant for Haiti victims, the organization wanted to be ready to act. “Well from our standpoint, we haven’t been called to go to Haiti. What we like to tell people is, that if we are called, we would rather be ready to give than having to wait to call our donors and say ‘Hey, we need you for Haiti now.’”
The community came together to work towards a cause bigger than any one of them. Even though many were nervous prior to their appointment, they overcame their fears and gave a little bit of themselves to make a difference in saving a life.
