![“[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)
“Aren’t you too old for trick or treating?”
As my sister innocently asks me this question, I turn around and give her a confused look. When did Halloween ever come with an age limit attached to it? Did people sign a contract in elementary school swearing to quit Halloween once they reached a certain age? Since when did this beloved, centuries-old tradition come with an expiration date that dictates when you are no longer allowed to enjoy it?
Traditions as old and meaningful as Halloween are not meant to vanish once somebody crosses an age threshold; they are meant to be shared across generations. For centuries, this holiday has invited people of all ages to partake in a night of spirituality and community. From its pagan roots to modern trick-or-treating celebrations, Halloween evolved over time, yet the spirit of the day has stayed the same: commemorating those who have passed or the supernatural.
For high schoolers, Halloween can also be an important stress reliever. Between academics, part-time jobs, sports and extracurricular activities, high school students balance a plethora of responsibilities that just never seem to end. Halloween should be a night where there are no assignments, no practices, no expectations: just candy, costumes and fun with friends. For one evening, high schoolers can experience a mental escape from the everyday grind, a moment to recharge, laugh and live a little.
Trick-or-treating offers high schoolers a chance to interact in their neighborhoods. I remember going door-to-door last year, receiving cheerful exchanges from my neighbors, people I had lived with my whole life but barely knew. Those small conversations about the type of candy we liked or the costumes we wore, I felt a stronger sense of connection with the surrounding community,
Halloween opens the door to reconnecting with our communities. It is a chance to show that we’re more than just workaholic teens but instead true members of a community.
So the next time somebody asks me: yes, I’ll be trick-or-treating this year and every year, and I encourage every high schooler to do so as well. After all, if we stop enjoying Halloween because we reach a certain number, then we’re missing out on the magic it brings and of course, the sheer amount of Twizzlers you can get in one night.
