![“[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)
Class bonding activities encompassed this week’s major events, including class trips, dodgeball, and L.I.F.E. events.
“Well, from my standpoint, I’d say the faculty beating the juniors had to be the highlight. But seriously, the important issues that we discussed in the L.I.F.E. assemblies this week were crucial to our non-academic development,” Butch Keller said. “Eagle Buddies, which is not connected to L.I.F.E., is still great development for the whole person when you talk about the responsibilities and relationships that are developed.”
Beginning the week with a class trip, the juniors had the opportunity to bond with their advisories on Monday, October 1. Advisories chose between kayaking in Monterey Bay or Elkhorn Slough and sailing in Santa Cruz. Kayakers were able to observe ocean life from sea lions to jellyfish while sailors learned about boat basics.
The culminating round of the annual dodgeball tournament took place on Wednesday, October 3. The junior class champions battled the faculty, but were defeated. While some of the students sported class colors to show their spirit, a few teachers were decked in colorful hats and wigs.
Students took part in a second set of L.I.F.E. assemblies on Thursday, October 4. Freshmen talked about stress relief, juniors learned about relationships, and seniors were informed about substance abuse. Meanwhile, the sophomores departed for the Bucknall campus to bond with their third grade Eagle Buddies and participate in activities such as making friendship bracelets.
More events to look forward to next week include updates on sports teams.
2012-10 TALON Keller’s Korner 10-06-12 – Images by The Harker School
