The student news site of The Harker School.

Harker Aquila

The student news site of The Harker School.

Harker Aquila

The student news site of The Harker School.

Harker Aquila

For a long time, I thought that confidence was being present and there, and making people know that you were there, and being comfortable taking things that you want. I realized that was just a by product of what confidence really is: being okay with who you are in that moment and on that day. Lifeguarding taught me a lot about trusting myself; I also just think that it is really bad ass that I can save people’s lives, Sophia Angus (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Realizing confidence

by Zachary Hoffman, TALON Reporter May 18, 2019

Lifeguard chairs, an elevated lattice of white plywood topped with a bright colored umbrella, resemble thrones: often they come with a sense of authority, responsibility and ability. If you happen to stop...

“As an artist, it’s so important that I tell myself, ‘believe in what you make.’ I do have art pieces that reflect ideas and are a little controversial that I may not entirely agree with,” Raymond Banke (12) said. “I feel like if I don’t believe in some way in what I’m creating, it’s just so much harder to come across as someone who genuinely values what they’re doing. Not only do people respect me more, but I appreciate myself more.”

Humans of Harker: The art of communication

by Esha Gohil and Muthu Panchanatham May 18, 2019

A small fish dotted with gold and white specks darts across the aquarium, eagerly awaiting its meal. A hand slowly submerges itself into the water from above, offering multicolored flakes of fish food...

We live in a very privileged environment and I love listening to perspectives I dont necessarily share. By understanding those of people who are different or not as fortunate gives you a new view point on life, Arvind Thirumalai (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Perspectives

by Anmol Velagapudi, Reporter May 17, 2019

Basketball, track, and rap music help Arvind Thirumalai (12) with stressful times and is a way to take his mind off of something that's bothering him. “Whenever I’m stressed out or tired or not...

Generally, [be] flexible. [Live] your best life because who cares about other peoples opinions? Its like, Oh, Sian, youre so weird, but Im like, Why do you care? Im living my best life. I carry around granola bars in my backpack. Whats not to love? Sian Smith (12) said.

Humans of Harker: The Memesmith

by Jin Tuan, Lifestyle Editor May 17, 2019

Purple socks printed with raccoons and the trash cans they foraged in kick up into the air as Sian Smith (12) wakes up from a nap, sliding up on the Shah couches in preparation for a no-filter interview. “You...

“Sometimes I pick up my phone and I get sound bytes of footsteps or the wind blowing through leaves, things that happen around you [that] you don’t see without a camera. I like taking photos or making videos and putting my vision into these things because I really want to share them with others and make people feel something when [they] see it, Heidi Zhang (12) said.

Humans of Harker: On the sidelines and in the game

by Anna Vazhaeparambil, Nicole TIan, and Katherine Zhang May 17, 2019

You’re not likely to see Heidi Zhang (12) at a game. It’s not that she isn’t there — you’re just more likely to feel her passing by, nothing but a quick “excuse me” and a flash of the gold-toned...

Just keep going. Because when you make mistakes, or when its high pressure, you make it and then just keep going, Logan Frank (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Keep calm, and the show must go on

by Kathy Fang, Managing Editor May 16, 2019

As the actors onstage gather for their final performance, the applause of the audience filling the silence of the theater, Logan Frank (12) leans back in his chair, in the shadows of the stage lights,...

“Being able to hold your own and have your own conversation with everyone no matter who it is, being okay in any social situation, not feeling scared, being okay with interacting with anyone around them is really important,” Zachary Hoffman (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Spirit to spirit

by Alysa Suleiman, Reporter May 15, 2019

Laid back on the beige painted chairs in front of Manzanita Hall, his arm draped across the metal back, Zachary “Zach” Hoffman laughs with his friends, thoroughly engrossed in the moment. As the wind...

I like seeing people, I guess, in their natural form and not like trying to be something theyre not I guess, if its like they know theres a photo being taken, they might act differently than normal. Yeah, I just like capturing authentic moments, Charlie Molin (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Dress to express

by Nina Gee, Visuals Editor May 15, 2019

"Hey, I'm still waiting for one of those shirts," someone shouts from across the hallway at the tall figure walking down the hallway. He laughs, looking back over the shoulder of his bleach-stained...

I always start a friendship with a smile. How could I not? Hannah Lak (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Closer to perfect

by Kathy Fang, Managing Editor May 14, 2019

She laughs and pauses, her eyes caught in a thoughtful yet smiling twinkle, before she comes up with an answer to the question. Before she speaks, though, she pauses again, hugging a white fluffy blanket...

I think that water polo is a sport where you can trade off strength for mental ability, in the sense that theyre equal parts of the equation. I think that I enjoy that sort of concept of having athleticism and intelligence will both be half of your equation to perform well in the sport, Leon Lu (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Balance

by Michael Eng and Nicole Chen May 13, 2019

In the corner of Mr. Hurshman’s room during a long lunch, a simple tune – the Geometry Dash Theme song – throughout the background noise of the lunchtime chatter from an electronic keyboard resonates....

Theres something to learn from everyone. I just enjoy hearing about my friends lives and to catch up is always nice. Its important to cherish every moment you have with everyone around you, Alex Lu (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Kindness and character

by Nicole Chen, Editor-in-Chief May 12, 2019

Alexandra “Alex” Lu (12) usually presents herself with a quiet demeanor. When she speaks, her words are carefully picked out, her statement and her ideas perfectly executed and communicated. But when...

I mainly build model kits because it’s pretty relaxing. I can just spend like 10 hours listening to music and kind of decompressing after the week’s over, and I’m not doing the thing that’s stressing me out. I think a lot of us are stressed out by school and stuff but it’s nice to get away from it all. [Building model kits] is definitely a daunting hobby to get into, like on Reddit and Instagram’s model pages, [you might think] all of this stuff this guy did is really good, but that guy probably has ten years of experience doing it. If you like how it looks, then it’s good. There isn’t any objective quality, if you like it, you like it, Andrew Koonmen (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Piece by piece

by Erica Cai, Reporter May 12, 2019

Leisurely reclining on a cushioned chair in Manzanita, hands clasped behind his head, Andrew "Andy" Koonmen (12) smiles subtly as he pulls to mind the relaxing atmosphere he experiences when building model...

Load More Stories