![“[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)
Waking up on winter mornings always proves to be a struggle, especially when I’m tucked under the many blankets on my bed. Though reluctant, I pull off my covers. I make my way to my closet, revealing the one hero that stands tall against the biting cold — the sweater. Not just a piece of clothing, it’s a warm, fuzzy hug in fabric form. Though there are countless types of winter wear, sweaters will always stand on top.
Despite the constant changes of fashion, the appeal of sweaters remains, offering a timeless charm that withstands fleeting trends. The sweater invites us to slow down and savor the warmth that it provides us, and hold memories close to our hearts.
Sweaters serve as a perfect balance between comfort and style. Unlike parkas and fleece jackets, sweaters aren’t too puffy while still providing warmth against the harsh winter weather. The comfort level of a sweater is similar to being cocooned in a cloud. Soft, snug and oh-so-warm, it offers the same coziness a fireplace would provide. Rather than wrapping a blanket around yourself, why not just wear a sweater?
Sweaters aren’t just about keeping warm; they’re the epitome of winter fashion. They are a rare case where you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for fashion. There are the classic crew necks, the sophisticated V-necks or the cuddly turtlenecks. Whether it’s a chunky cable-knit or a sleek cashmere, sweaters are versatile. Pair them with jeans for that casual cool look or dress them up with a skirt for a cozy chic ensemble. Of course, there are also the classic ugly sweaters to get into the holiday spirit. There’s a sweater for every mood, occasion and style.
At this point, it’s probably hard to think that sweaters can get even more incredible. But one of the major benefits of sweaters is that they’re practical. From thrift stores to high-end boutiques, there’s a sweater for every budget and taste. They are also easy to layer and accommodate changing temperatures, ensuring comfort throughout the day. You can still choose to wear your favorite shirt that may not be suited for the chilly season. They grant the freedom to shed or add layers as needed while providing sufficient warmth, adapting to the whims of winter weather.
But it’s not just about function; sweaters evoke nostalgia. They’re often woven with memories of the holidays. Sweaters represent cherished moments with loved ones: a hand-knitted sweater from a grandparent, a cozy pullover exchanged during a special occasion or the ugly sweater that someone spent ages looking for. They symbolize decorating Christmas trees, steaming mugs of cocoa and snug evenings spent having a Harry Potter movie marathon with my family.
Sweaters represent the idea of winter itself. Their softness is not just for warmth, but also a comforting balm for the soul. They serve as a protection from the cold winter season and for the memory of holiday traditions. The familiar touch of the fabric becomes a reminder of moments lived and loved, a tangible link to the warmth of bygone days that continues to comfort and uplift the soul.
