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

“Theres a lot of value in every moment and everyone around you. I appreciate people who just appreciate the little things. For me, I feel like everyone you meet can teach you a little bit, and thats something that Ive really internalized over the years. I think thats part of why I like being around people and different communities so much. Because in each of these communities, you can learn so many different things from everyone, Olivia Xu (24) said.

Humans of Harker: Purpose towards progress

by Jonathan Xue, Humans of Harker Co-Editor-in-Chief June 11, 2024

“What makes what you do truly worth it?”  So inquires the fundamental question of the Humans of Harker project, an endeavor to tell the stories of each year’s graduating class.  Whether...

“I get to choose how much effort and detail I put in, and that’s what you’re going to see in the end. I love that you can see the truth on paper. A lot of my work is in black and white, so I can’t rely on color to cover it up or make it more interesting — I can only rely on my skill and willingness to go into the studio and add to my piece, Katelyn Zhao (24) said.

Humans of Harker: Envisioning the everyday

by Olivia Xu, Humans of Harker Co-Editor-in-Chief June 11, 2024

Katelyn Zhao (‘24) remembers her first time volunteering at the Montalvo Arts Center. There, she learned and practiced an ancient weaving technique from Latin America, one which she later taught...

I used to think that I have to keep doing dance just because its what I’m known for. But now I’ve realized there’s beauty behind all the madness that happens. And it’s now a part of me, so not doing dance or not having Legos is like I’m losing a part of my identity, Luke Mehta (24) said.

Humans of Harker: Building with style

by Lindsay Li, Reporter June 11, 2024

Performing dance shows in the Patil Theater. Following a Lego instruction manual meticulously. Coordinating Harker’s spirit events day after day. This is how Luke Mehta ('24) expresses himself through...

“Why not? So many things are very foreign or unknown to us, but there’s not much to lose by just trying things. I initially wasn’t very comfortable with DECA, especially with impromptu, but the community really helped me grow out of that. And DECA is now one of my top high school memories. Just giving things a try is really worth it, and if it fails, the worst thing that can happen is you just try something else, Claire Luo (24) said.

Humans of Harker: It’s all in the details

by Michelle Wei, Humans of Harker Co-Managing Editor June 11, 2024

Hands fly to the lens cap. Steady arms lift the camera, the viewfinder clear. The top dial shifts back and forth, waiting for that perfect moment when the light sits just right. Finger on the shutter...

“I love using performing arts as a method to positively impact the audience. With every single show I do, I always want to have my performance be moving, leaving the audience with something new to ponder, something for them to take away, Shareen Chahal (24) said.

Humans of Harker: Voice behind the story

by Ananya Sriram, Winged Post Co-Managing Editor June 11, 2024

One final note. Silence. Thundering applause. Beaming under the glow of lights, Shareen Chahal ('24) gazes into a sea of people, perfectly poised in a white wedding dress. Moments later, she rushes...

“I want to be remembered as someone who was always willing to learn and never took shortcuts to learning. I want to be remembered for someone who really learned because of a passion to learn. Whenever I speak in class, its because I really do want to share something I hope is meaningful. Or whenever I go see a teacher, its because I really do want to learn more from them or I want to deepen my connection with them, Desiree Luo (24) said.

Humans of Harker: Love of learning

by Olivia Xu, Humans of Harker Co-Editor-in-Chief June 11, 2024

Post-exam celebrations: a quintessential part of being a student. Getting ice cream, watching a movie, and sleeping for hours all top the list, but only one catches the interest of Desiree Luo (‘24)....

Humans of Harker: Kicks and code

Humans of Harker: Kicks and code

by Caden Ruan, Reporter June 11, 2024

High school life can be competitive, be it in regards to academic achievement or even extracurricular commitments.  However, Alex Guo ('24) chooses to live life to its fullest, striding through the...

“If you’re into something, you shouldn’t just not do it because you’re not good at it. Practice is a big part of your performance and your success. Obviously, there is talent, but I think you can make up for not having a mass amount of talent in the subject just through hard work. I care a lot about my future. I definitely try to work hard to put myself in situations where I can meet people that I think are really cool and successful. I put a lot of value into connections that I make and experiences that I get to have. So, I think I work hard towards getting to those experiences and meeting those people, Ren Erdogan (24) said.

Humans of Harker: Building rapport and robots

by Leah Krupnik, Reporter June 11, 2024

At the mention of a "robot," what comes to mind? Perhaps it conjures images of mechanical constructs, moving parts and automated systems. But to Ren Erdogan ('24), the field of robotics is so much...

I think fashion has shaped who I am, because it has taught me a lot about finding my own voice, not being influenced by other people’s thoughts. Being able to choose from so many different things has also helped me build more consistent decision making skills while also becoming more comfortable in my own skin. With fashion, 60% of the art is self expression: you can make anything and you can interpret anything in any way. I like that a lot, because it just gives me a way to interpret how I want to express myself and how I feel about myself, Callie Yuan (24) said.

Humans of Harker: Expression of elegance

by Medha Yarlagadda, Aquila Co-Managing Editor June 11, 2024

Callie Yuan ('24) fondly recalls her first fashion week: making her way to her designated seat surrounded by all the fashion icons she always looked up to, the lights dimming as the models started...

“One of my favorite things is going to the golf course to practice in the morning, right after the sun comes up or even before and thats really a moment of peace for me, away from all the chaos of life. But that peace of being out in nature, being with the birds, listening, experiencing it all, has become a very important part of how I reset, and enjoy things. That was where my love of nature was born, Ryan Zhang (24) said.

Humans of Harker: Rooted in discovery

by Steven Jiang, TALON Co-People & Seniors Editor June 11, 2024

Countless landscapes unfold across Ryan Zhang's ('24) past, each marked by the golf courses he's played in across the country. National tournaments and decorated golfing victories are only half the...

“Exploring the intersections of science and people through public health is something that I find really powerful. Its a spark when I find answers: even though its a small step, finding an answer or a solution or even a formula, that thing keeps me going—the fact that I’m uncovering things in the first place, Medha Yarlagadda (24) said.

Humans of Harker: Fueling connection and community

by Selina Xu, Aquila Co-Managing Editor May 27, 2024

If you scrolled through Medha Yarlagadda ('24)’s camera roll, you would come across albums of sunset photos, videos of friends collapsed in laughter and endless “0.5” candids —a vibrant collection...

Humans of Harker: Squashing the competition

Humans of Harker: Squashing the competition

by Ethan Liang, Reporter May 26, 2024

An audible sound reverberates across the squash court as the ball hits the ground, marking the end of Varun Fuloria ('24)’s match. Though defeated, he walks off the court with pride among his disappointment....

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