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

“I just love traveling to new places because the highlights are a different culture and an entirely different experience. I never feel comfortable staying home for a while because I feel bored with my current situation, as if its just the same repeated day over and over again,” Fonda Hu (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Beyond the basics

by Tina Xu, TALON Photo Editor January 5, 2021

“I often associate myself with Dora the Explorer just because for the majority of my life, I had a haircut that was between a bowl cut and a normal haircut, and it resembled Dora the Explorer’s,”...

“Understanding peoples perspectives is something that I try to do. No matter what situation Im in, I never immediately judge someone. [With] people who have different beliefs than me [and] different opinions, before I try and fight against them, I try and understand where theyre coming from and why they believe what they believe,” Calais Poirson (12) said.

Humans of Harker: The light in every room

by Arely Sun, Winged Post Lifestyle Editor and Social Media Editor January 4, 2021

Calais Poirson (12) is no stranger to the Harker community. From singing onstage with Downbeat in a glittery gold dress to greeting students at the door of the winter ball to decking out in cheerful white...

“I got to a certain place where … you start to really feel empathy with [tabla], and you just enjoy playing and enjoy the speed. I felt like [the instrument] was trapped in this box of classical Indian music … But listening to the songs I listen to every day, I would start drumming in my lap, and at that point, I thought, ‘This isn’t out of place,’” Nicky Kriplani (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Rhythmic confidence

by Nicholas Wei, Humans of Harker Profiler January 4, 2021

Sitting cross-legged before the tabla, a classical Indian pair of drums, Aniket “Nicky” Kriplani (12) gazes intently as he rests his hands on the twin set of instruments. A pulse echoes in his mind...

“I want [people] to remember me for always being a team player and always looking out for other people. Especially in athletics, I want to be supportive of everyone around me and show others that they’re not in it alone. Youll always have the support of other people in your community,” Maria Vazhaeparambil (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Encouragement on and off the court

by Sabrina Zhu, Asst. STEM Editor December 28, 2020

Nine girls bustle around a busy kitchen. A mix of different aromas wafts through the house, and the sound of metal tools clinking combined with joyful laughter fills the room. Maria Vazhaeparambil (12)...

“There’s a lot of social skills and communication skills that you get from [theater]. There’s just this bonding and camaraderie you can get from these ensembles, from these big groups, and it’s invaluable. That sense of community [and] belonging just keeps me going back because I’m comfortable there, the other people are comfortable, and we’re all just trying to help each other,” Austin Killam (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Full of zest

by Tiffany Chang, TALON Conservatory Editor December 24, 2020

Student Directed Showcase. Spring musical. Fall play. Dance production. Attend any of these shows, and you’ll find Austin Killam (12) center stage — singing, dancing or acting his heart out. From middle...

“Its really helpful to understand that the people around you arent your competition; you are your own competition. [That’s] the only way youre ever going to truly progress in life and become a better version of yourself,” Sarina Sharma (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Confidence is key

by Lavanya Subramanian, TALON Organizations Editor December 23, 2020

Applause rings out from the crowd as Sarina Sharma (12) holds the last note of Titanium by David Guetta and Sia. The previously dark audience slowly brightens as the lights turn on, and Sarina’s eyes...

The biggest underlying message [of my filmmaking is] the message of unity. The films might not be Oscar worthy or cinematic masterpieces, but since its documented, I think Im going to have a lot of fun looking back on it and seeing us together and making the film together, Ethan Choi (12) said. 

Humans of Harker: The American dream

by Erica Cai, Humans of Harker Co-Managing Editor December 22, 2020

Imagine 20 eighth and ninth graders, dressed in immaculate suits and gathered around a rickety set-up of tripods and iPhones amid the sweltering Fremont heat. They take turns reciting lines, switching...

“As a child, I wanted to be a fashion designer and I was really interested in designing clothes and sewing … but theres not a lot of childrens clothes that follow a lot of recent trends. So, as I got older, I began to develop my own unique style,” Selin Aras (12) said.

Humans of Harker: A lover of arts

by Rachel Ning, TALON Co-People Editor December 21, 2020

Resting her head in her hands, Selin Aras (12) drowns the world out and focuses only on the steady beat flowing through her earbuds. Holding her phone protected by a clean plaid yellow case, she scrolls...

“Ive learned from a young age that I play better when Im angry, so I try to take my aggression out when I’m playing, and that helps me to try to calm myself outside of the game. It’s helped me be able to focus all of my energy and anger towards a certain goal, instead of just holding it in. I take my anger out on the field, and then become a more happy and calm person off the field,” Marcus Anderson (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Much more than an athlete

by Vishnu Kannan, Co-Sports Editor December 11, 2020

“Set, hut!” the quarterback shouts, and the offense comes to life. Dropping back with the offensive line and running back in pass protection, the quarterback surveys the field, looking for an open...

“Everything took off because I finally had something established, I finally found my place. And Im going to continue, Im not going to just back down … I have this mantra in my head that individuals can change communities, but communities can change the world,” Sachi Bajaj (12) said.

Humans of Harker: What a wonderful world

by Nicole Tian, Opinions Editor December 10, 2020

At 5:30 a.m. on a summer morning, Sachi Bajaj (12) can be found trekking up the winding slopes of Mission Peak alongside two of her friends, hoping to make it in time for the break of day. As dawn approaches,...

“A photograph an artist takes and their vision of it can be completely different from when a reader sees it. It may not always turn out as what the artist intends. But thats just art: its ones own subjective experience,” Shalini Rohra (12) said.

Humans of Harker: An open ear and an open heart

by Arely Sun, Winged Post Lifestyle Editor and Social Media Editor December 8, 2020

The legend of Perseus, the son of Zeus who slayed Medusa. Athena and Poseidon's contest for Athens. Those were some of Shalini Rohra’s (20) favorite Greek and Roman myths as a child. Gaze tilted down...

“I’ve had a lot of experiences that have shaped me as a person, and I’ve always wanted to provide that for younger kids. If you experience all these things and think ‘Ok, that’s it. I got to do all these things, but they’re done now,’ the cycle stops. If you decide you’re just going to keep taking and not give anything back, who’s going to provide that for the next round of kids?” Aria Wong (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Paying it forward

by Arushi Saxena, Co-Managing Editor December 4, 2020

Both on and off the soccer field, Aria Wong (12) is a powerhouse. Whether it’s boosting morale in the locker room, directing her team on the field or helping organize the immensely popular ‘Kicks Against...

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