![“[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)
Samuel: On a cold, rainy day, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a warm bowl of noodles, and QQ Noodle is the perfect place to find just that. Nestled in the heart of Cupertino, QQ Noodle has become a local favorite for those seeking hand-pulled, comforting noodles.
Tina: I have been working for 17 years now. For this restaurant, this restaurant has been open for 12 years now But I’ve worked with QQ Noodle for 17 years now.
Samuel: The hand-pulled noodles are made in batches, with the chef stretching and pulling the dough by hand. The result? Noodles with a unique, chewy, and satisfying texture, known as QQ. It’s a term commonly used in Taiwan and China to describe that bouncy, chewy bite we all crave in a good noodle.
Tina: Making a bowl of noodles is really easy. Our staff pulls the dough into ready-made noodles. It’s that easy. We don’t add anything to the noodles.
Samuel: Our reporters at Harker Journalism particularly love two of their dishes: the braised beef noodle soup, also known as hong shao niu rou, and the special hot oil noodles, or you puo mian.
Tina: The noodles we sell currently, everyone loves them. People eat spicy noodles more often. Shaanxi flavor, Sao Zi noodles, Yo Po noodles, Suan Cai noodles, these are all class noodles. Red braised beef noodle soup and spicy braised beef noodle soup, everyone loves those too.
Samuel: The braised beef noodle soup is the perfect comfort food. The broth is rich, fragrant, and packed with flavors that have simmered for hours. The beef is incredibly tender, falling apart with just a gentle tug of the chopsticks. It’s a bowl of warmth and satisfaction.
Samuel: And if you’re craving something with a kick, the special oil hot noodles will definitely hit the spot. The flavors are bold, spicy, and intense—just when you think you’ve got it figured out, another layer of spice hits you, and it’s perfect.
Samuel: The restaurant is located at 10889 S Blaney Ave, Cupertino, CA 95014, and they also take online orders for pick-up.
Tina: The most interesting part about running this restaurant is that people love eating my food. I prepare everything, my customers love eating my food. That’s what I enjoy the most.
