![“[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)
Choosing the right courses at Harker is a high-stakes balancing act. Each year of high school presents its unique opportunities and challenges, and it’s crucial to strategize wisely. There is a delicate equilibrium between maintaining academic rigor, pursuing your passions and preserving your mental health. As a junior, I’ve learned a lot through trial and error, and I’m here to share my advice for navigating this process.
Sophomore Year: Exploring Your Interests
Sophomore year is when your schedule finally opens up. Unlike freshman year, where most of your courses are set, you now have the chance to explore electives. This is the perfect time to dive into areas that interest you or try something completely new. Harker offers a wide variety of options, from computer science and robotics to journalism, theater and advanced art classes.
For me, sophomore year was the turning point when I started to realize what I truly enjoyed. I signed up for Research Methods and it ended up being one of the most rewarding classes I’ve taken. It helped me develop my love for research and gave me skills I still use today, from decoding dense papers to applying statistical analysis.
That said, don’t feel pressured to overload yourself. Sophomore year is about building a strong academic foundation while easing into the increased demands of high school. Taking one or two challenging courses is great, but balance is key. I’ve seen classmates pile on APs and extracurriculars too early, only to burn out by junior year. Pace yourself — there’s no rush to do everything all at once.
It’s okay to try new things without committing to them long-term. This is the year to experiment, explore your interests and figure out what you like and dislike.
Junior Year: Challenging but Manageable
Junior year has a reputation for being the hardest year of high school, and honestly, that’s not far off from the truth. Between advanced classes, leadership roles and college prep, it’s a lot to juggle. However, with some strategic planning, it’s definitely manageable.
One of the worst decisions I made this year was not keeping a free period in my schedule — having that extra time in the day is a game-changer. It can be a chance to catch up on homework, study for tests or just decompress. With college counseling meetings, extracurricular commitments and a heavier workload, that free period will be invaluable.
When it comes to choosing classes, focus on subjects you’re genuinely passionate about. I’ve always loved science, so taking AP Physics and Honors Biology in the same year felt like a natural fit, but continuing my language class wasn’t as meaningful to me anymore, so I dropped it to make room for other courses. Don’t be afraid to adjust your schedule to reflect your evolving interests.
It’s also important to think about balance — not just in your course load, but also in your overall schedule. Junior year is when extracurriculars start to take on a bigger role, whether it’s sports, debate, music or a service project you care about. Focus on a few activities you’re truly invested in rather than trying to do everything.
Senior Year: Breathe
Senior year allows you to showcase everything you’ve accomplished while also enjoying your final year of high school. After the intensity of junior year, this is your chance to take a break, and I personally can’t wait.
One piece of advice I’ve heard from many seniors is to keep a free period in your schedule. Whether you use it to catch up on work, prepare for college applications or just take a breather, that time is precious. I’m already planning to have a free period next year, ideally as my first or last class, so I can start or end my day on a calm note.
When selecting courses, aim for a mix of rigor and personal interest. This is your chance to take classes that genuinely excite you, whether it’s an advanced arts course or an elective you’ve always wanted to try. Seniors have the option of choosing their English electives — don’t fall into the trap that you ‘have’ to take AP Lit. There are so many great courses that might appeal to you more.
Senior year can be stressful with college applications, but it’s also a time to celebrate your achievements and enjoy the last year of high school. Make sure to leave room in your schedule for going on spontaneous adventures with your friends and soaking up time with your siblings.
As you gear up for the next school year, keep these tips in mind. And remember: while course selection is important, it’s just one piece of your high school experience. Find a balance that allows YOU to thrive.
