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

“Guitar tells you that you have to gauge your progress against not what youre doing now, but what you tried to do in the past. If you feel like you havent improved at something, or if you feel like youre not getting better at something, you have to gauge yourself against how you used to be and keep an open perspective. That also carries over to life in the sense that you can always check how much youve improved. Chances are, you have improved even if youre not aware of it,” Vikram Mani (12) said.

Humans of Harker: In tune with the mind

by Kevin Zhang, Asst. Sports Editor February 16, 2023

Vikram Mani (12) recalls how the melody of a Frank Sinatra song “My Way” resonated in the atmosphere as he played his guitar, performing for his grandfather’s 80th birthday in front of nearly two...

“I stuck with computer science because it has so many real world applications that other disciplines don’t. You can make so many different inferences about a real world situation like basketball given just a bit of data,” Rishi Cherukuri (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Programming positivity

by Edward Huang, Co-STEM Editor February 16, 2023

For Rishi Cherukuri (12), computer science extends far beyond the tedious grind of coding competitions and idle entertainment. Instead, the subject represents a gateway to meaningful insights, an opportunity...

“I like photographing people a lot because of the connection you can form with them, especially if you have a conversation with them. While youre taking photos of them, youre able to get to know them a lot more. After taking the photograph, that acts as a bond between two people,” Vasudha Subramanian (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Heart for service

by Emma Milner, Asst. Sports Editor February 15, 2023

Whether it be striking up a conversation with people on the street, helping peers in the classroom or even simply bringing her friends their lunch, Vasudha Subramanian (12) always has her eyes open for...

“As a freshman, I was a really shy person and scared to talk to new people. Cross country is the main reason why I have improved my social skills and became more confident in who I was as a person. I enjoy it so much because although it can be draining and painful, the feeling you get after you complete a hard workout or race is the best reward,” Kara Kister (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Chasing personal bests

by Vivian Chen, TALON Reporter February 15, 2023

Whether you’re sifting through emails from upper school athletic director Dan Molin, browsing through the Harker Athletics instagram page or listening to the Eagle Update during school meetings, you’re...

I dont have it all boiled down to a motto. I dont really go with the flow. One of my favorite things about myself is how much time I take to consider things. I like being very intentional and thoughtful. I stay focused on what I can control, which is the present and the future, Aneesha Asthana (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Intentionality in identity

by Alison Yang, Asst. A&E and Lifestyle Editor February 14, 2023

What defines a person? Some would argue their actions. Others would say their peers. CollegeBoard would say 5 awards and 10 extracurriculars. Is it their path to the present? Aneesha Asthana’s (12) journey...

“[Foreign policy has helped me think] more outside of my personal bubble. When I see something now, I think more about not just how this is affecting us, but how this affects the world more broadly. Recently, there was the economic crisis of gas and oil — that doesnt just affect the US, it affects Europe,” Dilsher Dhaliwal (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Thinking beyond borders

by Margaret Cartee, Opinions Editor February 14, 2023

While international relations meetings occur every day, only the most important ones become mainstream enough to capture the general public’s attention. But these decisions have far-reaching impacts...

“Golf is a controversial sport with stereotypes attached to it. Growing up, I was always embarrassed to say I [play] golf because of that. Being an Asian girl in the sport is my way of trying to change the game and inspiring other people to hopefully get into golf. Its interesting when I have to play with others and I can hit further than any of them, and that’s when they start thinking that I’m somebody worthy to be their competition,” Claire Chen (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Swinging with style

by Katelyn Zhao, Sports Editor February 14, 2023

On any given day, Claire Chen (12) could be spotted wearing a neutral-colored knit, baggy pants and leather jacket paired with a messenger bag and black leather boots. Or a babydoll dress with cream and...

“Everyone has to do their job and everything needs to work together for the team to be successful. On and off the court, its always fun to be around the team. Off the court, were making jokes and having fun, and on the court, we know how to be serious and play,” Tyler Beede (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Positivity packs the points

by Claire Zhao, Asst. Copy Editor February 13, 2023

It’s the final playoff round of the varsity boys volleyball Division 3 Central Coast Section (CCS) tournament. Zhang Gymnasium carries an air of anticipation and nervousness, with only the squeaks of...

“Art taught me that I can be good at things in different ways from other people. Art is really subjective, so there isn’t one way to go about it. Once I realized this, I started seriously thinking about art as something I could do for the rest of my life,” Vivian Bi (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Sketching a new self-image

by Ella Yee, Co-News Editor February 12, 2023

“You can talk to her whenever.” “I could tell her everything about myself.” “I drop my barriers when I’m around her.” When asked to describe Vivian Bi (12), people immediately point out her...

“Ive always been interested in making an impact on the world. It’s why I do outside climate activism: because Im really passionate about not burning in the future,” Laurie Jin (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Machining for change

by Victor Gong, Asst. STEM Editor February 12, 2023

Loud, mechanical whirring fills the dimly-lit robotics lab as metal shavings fly out of the lathe, collecting on the rusty metal base below. With safety goggles on and her hair tied back, Laurie Jin (12)...

“Ive had a lot of life experiences, good and bad, so I really try to help people as much as I can in situations where you need someone to talk to. I want people to remember how much I tried to help people and be there for others,” Nick Delfino (12) said.

Humans of Harker: Rounding the bases of success

by Smrithi Sambamurthy, TALON Sports Editor February 11, 2023

Nicholas “Nick” Delfino (12) recalls the pivotal final game of the Central Coast Section (CCS) baseball championship. The team entered the last inning down by nine runs but rallied to secure an impressive...

“If all of us want to be remembered in the future for all our nuances, that starts with first remembering everyone else. Everyone who came before us had these complex and intricate lives that deserve to be remembered in the same way all of us right now do in the future,” Ariya Reddy (12) said.

Humans of Harker: One book at a time

by Jasleen Hansra, TALON Organizations & Co-Student Life Editor February 11, 2023

Stacks of rainbow-colored books line the floor-to-ceiling shelves as Ariya Reddy (12) meanders through endless aisles. Perusing the selection, she searches for her next social science read. Next door is...

Load More Stories