Backpacks are a staple of high school life. Every morning, hundreds of SWMHS students walk through the doors carrying backpacks stuffed with everything they need to survive the school day. But what exactly is inside them?
To find out, I asked several students to unzip their backpacks and reveal the items they carry every day. While some contents were expected, others were surprising, hilarious, and surprisingly meaningful.
The Organized Student
Junior Ema Alimi opened her backpack to reveal neatly color-coded folders, sharpened pencils, highlighters, sticky notes, and a planner packed with reminders.
“I write down everything,” she explained. “If it’s not in my planner, it doesn’t exist.”
Her backpack reflected a student who values staying organized and prepared, proving that sometimes the stereotype of the perfectly organized student is true.
The Athlete
Freshman Jack R.’s backpack looked more like a gym bag. Along with notebooks and binders, he carried an extra pair of socks, athletic tape, protein bars, deodorant, and a water bottle that seemed large enough to last a week.
“I have practice right after school,” he said. “If I forget something, I’m in trouble.”
For student-athletes, backpacks often have to serve two purposes: carrying school supplies and preparing for practices, games, and long days away from home.
The Emergency Kit
One student’s backpack contained enough supplies to handle almost any situation. Tucked into different pockets were Band-Aids, gum, hand sanitizer, tissues, hair ties, lip balm, chargers, and even a mini sewing kit.
“My friends always come to me when they need something,” she laughed.
Every friend group seems to have that one person who is prepared for absolutely everything.
The Snack Collection
Not every backpack was filled strictly with school supplies. One student’s bag contained granola bars, pretzels, fruit snacks, mints, and an impressive collection of candy.
“Sometimes lunch isn’t enough,” he admitted.
Many students agreed that snacks are an essential part of surviving a long school day.
The Unexpected Finds
Some of the strangest backpack discoveries included:
- Three months’ worth of crumpled papers
- A Rubik’s Cube
- Six pens that no one remembered acquiring
- An old permission slip
- A single Lego piece
- A random fork
Perhaps the biggest surprise was how many students admitted they had no idea what was at the bottom of their backpacks.
More Than Just a Backpack
While backpacks may seem like ordinary school accessories, they tell a story about the students who carry them. Some reveal organization and preparation. Others showcase busy schedules, hobbies, or a sense of humor.
At SWMHS, no two backpacks are exactly alike, but they all carry a little piece of the person behind them.
So the next time you sling your backpack over your shoulder, take a look inside. You might discover that it says more about you than you think.
