![“[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)
As the entire school fixates their gaze on her, a wave of exhilaration surged through Emma Cai (12). It was the first rally back from quarantine, something she missed her freshman year. The atmosphere was electric, and her eyes lit up, her body full of adrenaline. It was more than a performance—it was a moment that defined her place in the dance team at school.
“Dance is something I really love. I always try my best to improve because it’s really fun for me, which really motivates me to work harder,” Emma said. “I always feel so supported by my teammates, even when I’m not dancing.”
Fellow dancer Julie Shi (12) observes Emma’s evolving confidence and leadership within their community. From dancing at a studio to together for the school team, Julie has witnessed Emma’s personal growth and dedication.
“She’s become a lot more confident in her dancing. This year, she’s choreographing a dance for our dance production and I’m in it. She has to choreograph sections of the dance and teach it to us,” Julie said. “That takes a lot of courage and talent to do, and I really admire her putting herself out there for us.”
However, Emma’s journey as a dancer has not been without its challenges. With difficult courses and school work to finish along with college apps, Emma has had her share of struggles with time management.
“It’s difficult sometimes to balance dance with academics, especially when there are performances. Wee have to have a lot of rehearsals. But I think time management is really important and helpful.,” Emma said.
Yet, her dedication to both her passion and education shines through. A high-achieving student, Emma has developed her time management skills, blending her passion for dance with her academic pursuits. Beyond the dance floor, Emma finds another world where creativity knows no bounds: computer science.
“There’s a lot of exploring and learning new things with computer science,” Emma said. “You always have to find new algorithms because you can’t just keep using the same ones that don’t work. For dance, you have to keep experimenting with new moves, especially when you’re choreographing to find what looks best.”
Close friend Selina Chen (12) reflects on Emma’s journey and the impact she leaves on those around her. Selina and Emma met during the fall play in sixth grade, and she always admires Emma’s enduring positivity and spirit.
“I can see that she’s grown emotionally through the hard times we’ve shared together,” Selina said. “ But one thing that has stayed the same about her is the fact that she’s always smiling and excited and cheerful when I’m around her, and that’s the kind of person that I want to be around. She has the energy that I want to have around me.”
Upper school dance teacher Rachelle Haun leaves advice for Emma after witnessing the growth in Emma’s voice and expression over the last four years. From meeting her as a freshmen on Zoom to watching her end her senior year choreographing her own dance, her sentiment reinforces the self-discovery and empowerment that are essential to Emma’s journey as a dancer.
“I want her to keep finding her voice,” Haun said. “I feel like she’s made so much progress in figuring out that what she has to say is worth hearing for everybody, and I would love for her just to continue that journey because what she has to say is worth something.”
For Emma, family holds a special place in her heart. In the midst of her busy life, Emma cherishes the moments with her family, recognizing the invaluable connections that ground her. It is a reminder that amidst senior year, the bonds of family remain constant.
“Spending time with family is really important to me because I have an older sister who’s in college, and you don’t realize until they’re gone how lonely it is, how much more fun it was,” Emma said. “Being a senior, it’s definitely hard to get more time spent with the people you actually care about.”
As Emma stands at the end of her high school chapter, she reflects on the mark she hopes to leave. The combination of her passion for dance, love for computer science and devotion to family combine to show her traits of strength, resilience, and boundless support. As she takes her final bow, Emma leaves behind a lasting legacy that will remain far beyond the lights.
“I want to be remembered for being supportive,” Emma said. “I’m always willing to lend an ear no matter the circumstance.”
