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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

High cortisol is a condition where the body releases excessive amounts of stress hormone. On social media, whether a person has high or low cortisol has been illustrated with a dial.

Calming your cortisol

by Saria Lum and Mendy Mao May 4, 2026
Often referred to as the body’s primary “stress hormone,” cortisol is released by the adrenal glands when your brain perceives a threat. When stress becomes constant, like during busy school weeks, elevated cortisol can lead to anxiety, fatigue and difficulty concentrating. 
The fast pace of class creates stress around completing assignments in time and can make it difficult to actually retain the topics. The school advocates for time management and encourages smart study habits, yet these courses contradict those values by cultivating an environment for cramming.

Summer prerequisite coursework limits growth

by Isabella Wong, Reporter January 14, 2026
The required summer coursework for AP Chemistry and AP Biology, for rising sophomores and juniors, respectively, conflicts with many summer programs, forcing students to choose between two paths of interest.
Every year in December, I marvel at the beauty and festiveness of the glittering lights, but that joy is always tainted by a shadow of impending doom — the holiday season is not the only season that happens at this time of year.

It’s the most stressful time of the year

by Margaret Cartee, Opinions Editor December 19, 2022

Sparkling Christmas lights flicker, adorning buildings, trees, anything and everything which can be decorated. Every year in December, I marvel at the beauty and festivity of the glittering lights, but...

Playing the cello became a chore, rather than a luxury. While practicing, I could feel my hope disappearing as I counted the number of minutes I played.

This I Believe: The right decision for myself

by Sally Zhu, A&E and Lifestyle Editor November 4, 2021

My fingers fly across the cello’s four strings, my mind focuses on maintaining the tempo as I sit in the soft black chair in my room. A music stand with black and white pages of notes stares back at...

Learning balance as a junior

Learning balance as a junior

by David Feng, Guest Writer May 23, 2019

Junior year is nothing short of a balancing act. Many students consider their third year of high school the worst and most stressful year, and they are correct to an extent. More things are being dumped...

Heart of Harker: Lessons in stress and pressure

Heart of Harker: Lessons in stress and pressure

by Joanna Lin, Alumna Guest Writer April 25, 2019

You’ll never get there. Right now, all that matters is college. Once you get in (and you WILL get in), it’s internships, grad school, med school. And afterwards, your own lab, your own practice, your...

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