![“[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)
10 ways to prepare for the holidays
Take advantage of the huge holiday sales! Many people got their whole family involved by picking shops that each member wanted to go to.
Glance over at the calendar hanging on your wall. It’s that time of year again when preparations for the coming holidays are in full swing. No matter what you are celebrating, there are 10 ways everyone can prepare for the festivities.
1. Decorate – Deck the halls, literally! Pick out a tree, put up some lights, or select some wreaths.
2. Shop – Everyone loves giving and receiving presents. Whether it is a Christmas-themed sweater or the latest electronic, shopping for friends and family is a great way to show your holiday spirit.
3. Food – Bake an old-fashioned pumpkin pie or try out a new recipe. Food warms your heart as much as it does your stomach and brings family and friends together.
4. Family & Friends – Take time out of your hectic schedule to just relax and enjoy the company of family and close friends. Sometimes the best gift is giving your time.
5. Music & Books – Turn on the radio or find a festive Spotify playlist to set the mood for your holiday season. Then curl up next to the fireplace with a good book and a mug of hot chocolate.
6. Movies – Check out the latest releases, re-watch your favorites, or dig up some Christmas classics.
7. Going Out – Rally your friends and find a local attraction to attend. Ice skating, plays, fairs, parades, shows, tree lightings–the list is endless.
8. Giving Back – The holidays are a time for giving…back. Donating just a few cans of food, a children’s toy, or lightly used clothing can make a huge difference to the less fortunate. So take the opportunity to brighten up someone else’s holiday season.
9. Reconnect – Call up an old friend or a distant relative you have not spoken to in a while. Spend quality time with a sibling or pet. The holidays are all about the people around you.
10. Traditions – Last but not least, do not forget to participate in old traditions! Whether it be baking a signature pie or decorating the house a certain way every season, traditions bring people closer together and help you remember your heritage and roots.
Nila Banerjee is the Seniors Editor of TALON Yearbook. A senior, this is her fourth year in the journalism program. She was the Organizations Editor of...
Urvi Gupta is the Student Life Editor for TALON yearbook. She is a senior and has been part of journalism since her sophomore year. She was the Personal...