![LALC Vice President of External Affairs Raeanne Li (11) explains the International Phonetic Alphabet to attendees. "We decided to have more fun topics this year instead of just talking about the same things every year so our older members can also [enjoy],” Raeanne said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/DSC_4627-1200x795.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)
Frosh and juniors attended Living with Intent, Focus and Enthusiasm (LIFE) assemblies about time management and substance abuse on Friday in the Auxiliary Gym and the Rothschild Performing Arts Center (RPAC).
Assistant upper school division head Kelly Horan introduced the frosh to LIFE and the LIFE board, a group of tenth, eleventh and twelfth graders who plan activities to alleviate student stress and share advice from their own experiences with frosh. Upper school speech and debate chair Jenny Achten then spoke about time management and encouraged students to try new activities while also prioritizing a strong sleep schedule and school-life balance.
“Think about yourself a little bit scientifically,” Achten said. “Now that you’re older and you have more control over your schedule, when you can [choose to] do what homework, all of those things, think about yourself a little objectively. Think, ‘What stresses me out and what helps me.’ Be really cognizant of those things.”
Achten continued to discuss study habits and work organization. Students then participated in a Kahoot about the Upper School Student Handbook covering Harker policies on classes, discipline and student health.
In the RPAC, Vicki Sandberg from the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation spoke to juniors about countering addiction. Sandberg discussed her first experience with alcohol, how she became addicted at a young age and the lasting repercussions alcohol had on her.
“I know that drinking and addiction can ruin a lot of lives,” Hannah Levanon (11) said, reflecting on Sandberg’s story. “It didn’t surprise me, but it was sad.”
In particular, Sandberg noted that a lack of information and a desire to try alcohol for fun made her more susceptible to addiction. She also warned that Harker’s stressful environment could make students vulnerable to addiction.
“Addiction does not care about who you are,” Sandberg said. “It’s not just people who are uneducated or down on their luck. It can hit anyone, and it does.”
Sandberg went over ways for students to prevent addiction. First, Sandberg told students to delay exposure to alcohol for as long as possible to minimize bodily harm. She also advised students to double check the source of pills or drugs to ensure they are safe.
Students who need help countering substance abuse or know someone in need of assistance can contact the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation at (844)-659-3792.
