![“[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)
Bay Area shoppers continued watching prices closely as the latest round of tariffs from the Trump administration created uncertainty about the cost of essential products. While Trump suspended many of the threatened tariffs, their possible return in April causes worry among businesses and consumers.
“It’s frustrating because everything is already expensive, and now they’re talking about making it worse,” Lion Market shopper Jessica Lam said. “They need to stop playing politics with regular peoples’ food prices. I’ll just be paying more for the same things”
Trump announced tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, the U.S.’s three largest trading partners, starting in January. He imposed tariffs of up to 25% on these countries on February 1, but paused those on Canada and Mexico for 30 days. The tariffs resumed on March 4, only to be mostly suspended again two days later. They are set to return on April 2.
Economics teacher Sam Lepler views the tariffs as politically motivated and believes they will have lasting economic effects.
“With regard to Canada and Mexico, Trump ran on issues like illegal immigration, drug trafficking, especially fentanyl, and an ‘America First’ agenda that focused on protecting American jobs, American businesses,” Lepler said. “A lot of what was done with Canada and Mexico specifically was a threat to get more assistance on those issues, and also to project strength and an America First mindset.”
Fresh produce is one of the most vulnerable categories targeted by tariffs. The US imported around 60% of fruits and 40% of vegetables in 2023, including 91.9% of its avocados and 91.4% of its raspberries, with Mexico supplying the vast majority. These items, along with other groceries like tomatoes, cucumbers and limes, could see prices increasing within weeks if tariffs return.
Liquor prices could also increase, with Trump threatening a 200% tariff on European alcoholic products in response to the European Union’s plan to impose a 50% tariff on US whiskey.
“We’ve been watching the prices on French wine specifically and other European alcohol,” Safeway employee Paula Whitaker, who works in the liquor department, said. “The concern is what will happen in the coming weeks if the tariffs come back for good. If costs start rising, stores will probably have to adjust their prices pretty quickly. ”
For many shoppers, the gradual rise in prices has led to changes in purchasing habits. According to global market intelligence agency Mintel, 54% of adults are making compromises in their food and beverage choices in response to inflation.
Lam worries that the tariffs will only make the situation worse.
“I’m shopping at multiple places because prices are just getting out of hand in some places,” Lam said. “If prices keep going up, I’ll have to figure out how to cut back even more.”
