![“[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)
In the spirit of Girl Scout cookie season, which runs from Jan. 29 to March 17, I will be ranking my top five Girl Scout cookie selections. I was once a Girl Scout, so these flavorful, unique cookies will always hold a special place in my heart. The Girl Scouts sell cookies to raise funds for their troop activities while also striving to introduce girls to entrepreneurship and leadership at a young age. Girl Scouts take the best flavor combinations and make them into some of the best cookies in existence (never better than Grandma’s cookies, though). From happily marching around my neighborhood with a wagon full of cookies to selling them in front of Safeway with my fellow Girl Scouts, I understand and appreciate the effort that the Girl Scouts put into this annual event. With my experience in selling these special cookies, these five are my favorite Girl Scout cookies of all time.
5. Trefoils
Basic? More like classic. You can never go wrong with Trefoils: the iconic, original Girl Scout cookie. When I tried these for the first time, they truly didn’t disappoint. They taste almost like a sugar cookie and are delightfully buttery and crumbly. The way these shortbread cookies just melt in your mouth is heavenly. However, there’s nothing too remarkable about these cookies, so fifth place is about as high as they can get.
4. Lemon-Ups
The crisp, crunchy outsides of Lemon-Ups, which replaced the iconic Savannah Smiles, have a powerful, citrus punch and were a core memory of my childhood. And the inspiring messages imprinted on each cookie? Sign me up! While some people gag at the thought of lemon and cookies combined, saying they taste like cleaning products, I appreciate the refreshing taste of Lemon-Ups. They are sunshine in a bite. Although they are perfectly crisp, airy and refreshing, they lack the delightful chocolate that I enjoy in several other Girl Scout cookies.
3. Samoas
Three C’s make Samoas simply magnificent: chocolate, caramel and coconut. The chocolate and caramel create a smooth and sweet filling, and the coconut adds a fun texture to the mix. Besides being one of the best-tasting Girl Scout cookies, Samoas surely have the best looks. The donut-like shape intrigues me so much, and the little flakes of coconut and the beautiful stripes of fudgy chocolate create such an aesthetically pleasing cookie. While Samoas have quite a pleasant taste, the cookie’s fabulous appearance is what really bumps it higher up in the ranks.
2. Tagalongs/Peanut Butter Patties
Wow. Another amazing combo by the Girl Scouts. The rich chocolatey coating over the smooth peanut butter filling and the crisp cookie on the inside create the perfect combination of textures. Tagalongs are majestic. The chocolate and peanut butter combination is undeniably one of the best duos ever because the flavors mesh so delightfully. They’re Reese’s Peanut Butter cups but better! My sincerest apologies to all of my people with peanut allergies. You are definitely missing out on one of the best cookies ever.
1. Thin Mints
Ah, the best for last. Thin Mints are the most perfect cookie in existence. The eye-catching green boxes? Gorgeous. The harmonious crossover between mint and chocolate? Magnificent. Normally, I find that chocolate treats are just mediocre, but Thin Mints, or any chocolate Girl Scout cookie, really, are some of the few exceptions. The distinct, nostalgic flavor of thin mints sets the fan-favorite cookie apart from any other. I never knew heaven was a place on Earth until I tried Thin Mints. The crisp, chocolate cookie enveloped in the smooth, mint chocolatey coating forms a divine pair of sweet perfection. The cookie is both rich and fresh, which makes it truly perfect. Thin Mints are a universally appreciated and loved cookie, and they are the perfect treat to share with your loved ones.
