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

“Something thats really been kind of underappreciated nowadays is just the art of improvisation, not having to plan out anything and just kind of living in the moment and playing whatevers on your mind. Oftentimes, people dont realize that that type of phrasing and even rap emerged from improvisation and from just taking risks. I guess that’s the world of music. It encompasses a lot of different colors. Theres a lot of crossover between things, and thats what interests me about it,” Joshua Valluru (12) said.

Humans of Harker: The art of improvisation

by Emily Chen, TALON Co-Editor-in-Chief May 21, 2020

Softly strumming his guitar, Joshua Valluru (12) improvises as the acoustics in the lobby of the Rothschild Performing Arts Center round out his sound. “Guitar has been a huge part of my life at high...

“Constantly make sure you are always happy with yourself. I think a lot of people are pursuing something but not really reflecting enough on why and getting lost in actions. I think just taking those times and reflecting on what youre doing and making sure of the truth … will make all the difference,” Rakesh Nori (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Take a step back

by Saloni Shah, Humans of Harker Editor-in-Chief May 20, 2020

With a large grin lighting up his face and eyes crinkling with warmth, he drops his car keys on the table and strolls over to the counter to order a vanilla bean frappe. Tucking his left hand into the...

Class of 2020: Humans of Harker compilation, part three

by Saloni Shah, Humans of Harker Editor-in-Chief May 17, 2020

Due to the unprecedented circumstances surrounding COVID-19, our seniors cannot experience their spring semester and graduation in its traditional format. Yet, we want to honor the Class of 2020 and celebrate...

“Dance is a bit easier to deal with that anxiety because I just put all that energy into the movement that Im doing, but for music, you have to really control it and thats still hit or miss for me. What helped me was when I moved over to horn and playing in the orchestra. Theres a bit of added pressure because I knew that people depended on me, but at the same time, it was less. It felt comforting to know that my friends were there to support me also,” Kai-Ming Ang (12) said.

Humans of Harker: The humble artist

by Irene Yuan, Asst. Photo Editor May 11, 2020

A group of boys dressed in black vests covered with silver designs moves to the music on stage. In the center, the choreographer of the piece, Kai-Ming Ang (12), moves purposefully, solidly hitting each...

Class of 2020: Humans of Harker compilation, part two

Class of 2020: Humans of Harker compilation, part two

by Saloni Shah, Humans of Harker Editor-in-Chief May 10, 2020

Due to the unprecedented circumstances surrounding COVID-19, our seniors cannot experience their spring semester and graduation in its traditional format. Yet, we want to honor the Class of 2020 and celebrate...

“We sort of tend almost intrinsically, to strive for whatever we can using whatever methods available. And this often results in a lot of shortcuts or assumptions. The thing that might help you find what might matter the most to you, ultimately, is how much you work on understanding yourself and whats around you. Because that knowledge, or that perspective, is something that youre going to carry with you for your whole life,” Jack Pearce (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Questions and curiosity

by Anika Mani, TALON Reporter May 7, 2020

The bright morning sun peeks through the dark green redwood trees standing tall. Jack Pearce (12) observes his surroundings, listening to the quiet sounds of early spring and intently scanning the natural...

“From the very beginning, I knew how powerful the subject of computer science really is. Like Ive seen from my dads story, computer science can actually transform these underprivileged childrens lives first hand. By learning this subject which is in such high demand in the industry now, they can actually get a chance to escape the poverty cycle. So I think from that I kind of grew inspired to actually help like children similar to how my dad was back in India, and found this organization for underprivileged children,” Sahil Jain (12) said.

Humans of Harker: The power of industry

by Jessie Wang, Senior Copy Editor May 7, 2020

Standing in front of a class of young children, teaching them about computer science, Sahil Jain (12) basks in his element. Whether it’s through acting out the role of Karel J. Robot to help his class...

“The fact that you keep having success where you keep actually being able to finish the puzzle, that keeps you doing it. Its fun to have that moment where you can keep doing it. Im good at recognizing when things are too hard, and then I stop doing things that are too hard. Then, Im at a point where I can solve problems and its a rewarding experience,” Jeffrey Kwan (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Problem-solving the world

by Emily Tan, Winged Post Asst. Features Editor May 6, 2020

With a resounding thud, the volleyball reflects off a passer’s platform and spins into the air, meeting the hands of the setter and then flying toward the left side of the net where Jeffrey Kwan (12),...

“If I have to consider the most significant contributions I have made at Harker, I struggle to respond. I cant think of a specific project or event because, to me, the well-being I bring to my community lies in the small moments: the openings of doors, the smiles, the conversations, the simple delight of bringing joy to the people around me,” Avi Gulati (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Infinite possibility

by Saloni Shah, Humans of Harker Editor-in-Chief May 5, 2020

He grips onto the blue-green colored fence, holding his upper body steady and hoisting one leg over the top. As he balances in limbo, hovering over the curved edge of the rusty gate, he releases a breath...

“I want my purpose in life to be to create lasting change. If, in the future, Im able to take a piece of me and some research that I do and put it into a business — even if it doesnt become some ridiculously famous thing — if I can change one persons life with that ... and have it be like a domino effect and create something else in the world, then I feel like everything that Ive done, all the sweat, blood and tears that go into this kind of work, is all going to be worth it. Because at the end of the day, the point is to make life better for somebody. I feel like my point would be to make a change for the better in the world,” Aditi Ghalsasi (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Connecting confidence and compassion

by Gloria Zhang, Winged Post Co-Editor-in-Chief May 3, 2020

When asked about Aditi Ghalsasi’s (12) most defining characteristics, her friends and teachers have a few adjectives to offer. Sassy — often said with a laugh. Driven. Motivated. Outspoken. Independent....

Class of 2020: Humans of Harker compilation, part one

Class of 2020: Humans of Harker compilation, part one

by Saloni Shah, Humans of Harker Editor-in-Chief May 3, 2020

Due to the unprecedented circumstances surrounding COVID-19, our seniors cannot experience their spring semester and graduation in its traditional format. Yet, we want to honor the Class of 2020 and celebrate...

Whenever I do something, I’m not necessarily motivated by a passion for any one thing but I’m motivated for having fun with whatever I’m doing. That’s my primary goal to do whatever I want. The number one goal with everything I do is to enjoy it, Rohan Cherukuri (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Jack of all trades

by Michael Eng, Reporter May 3, 2020

On Halloween, Rohan Cherukuri (12) and his friends emerged from the bathroom, donned in clown suits complete with red noses, makeup and juggling balls.  His friend group, self-monickered the “Clowns,”...

Load More Stories

Comments (0)

All Harker Aquila Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest