![“[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)
Blossom into spring
Everything anew, bid the cold adieu
May 12, 2023
As the days get longer and the temperatures start to rise, there’s a sense of excitement and anticipation that can only mean one thing — spring is here. From the vibrant colors of blooming flowers to the perfect weather for outdoor activities, there are countless reasons why spring is the best season of all. With its sense of new beginnings and opportunities for exploration, spring offers a chance to experience the beauty and wonder of the world around us. Spring is the season where nature comes back to life after the harshness of winter, the season of hope and promise, deservedly winning the title of the superior season.
Spring brings along the beauty of nature. Flowers bloom, trees bud and the world becomes a more colorful place. After months of seeing nothing but brown and gray, the vibrant colors of spring are a welcome sight. The sound of birds singing, the smell of freshly cut grass and the sight of baby animals are all reminders that life is starting anew.
A season of celebration, spring marks the end of a long and cold winter. People across the world welcome the arrival of spring with festivals, ceremonies and rituals. For example, the Hindu festival of Holi, also known as the festival of colors, is celebrated in India and other parts of the world to mark the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Similarly, the Japanese celebrate the arrival of spring with the famous cherry blossom festival, which draws visitors from around the world to witness the stunning beauty of the cherry blossoms.
Even though spring brings along allergies, allergies are just symbolic of the ‘pain before the gain.’ Spring allergies are the result of the abundance of pollen in the air, which is also responsible for the blooming of flowers and trees. Allergies may cause some discomfort, but they are a small price to pay for the beauty that surrounds us.
Spring is a time of new beginnings. It’s the time to start fresh and set new goals. The sense of renewal and hope that comes with spring can inspire us to make positive changes in our lives. Spring provides the perfect opportunity for a fresh start: a new exercise routine, taking up a new hobby or simply decluttering our homes.
Moreover, spring brings with it a sense of joy and happiness: the warmer weather, longer days and the beauty of nature can all contribute to a feeling of happiness and positivity. Many people feel more energized and motivated during the spring months, which can lead to increased productivity and a greater sense of purpose. Spring also provides the perfect opportunity to spend time with family and friends, whether it’s having a barbecue, going on a hike or simply enjoying a picnic in the park.
Between gardening, cycling or playing sports, there are so many ways to enjoy the outdoors during the spring months. The mild temperatures and longer days make it easier to be active and enjoy the fresh air. Spring also provides the perfect opportunity to explore new places, be it a nearby town, going on a road trip or simply taking a walk in a new part of town.
Spring is simply undeniably the best season of all. From the perfect weather to the beauty of nature to the promise of new beginnings and the sense of renewal and rejuvenation, there are countless reasons to love spring. So, take advantage of all that spring has to offer and enjoy this wonderful time of year to the fullest!
