As everyone walked into school this year, there was a major differentiation between seniors and other grades. What made the seniors stand out? The difference is something so small that everyone has… Backpacks!
If you couldn’t tell, many people come to school with major brand backpacks like North Face or Under Armour, but this year the seniors decided to change it up. Many seniors have, what some might say, are “childish” backpacks. An array of early 2000s shows and movies roam the hallways from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to Disney princess the seniors have it all. Of course, this trend isn’t new, but the seniors this year showed off with almost the entire grade participating.
The tradition of “senior backpacks” goes only as far back as the early 2000s. This trend does not exactly have an extensive origin due to its newer relativity. Throughout social media, like TikTok and Instagram. People claim that the trend started as early as 2008. However, no other senior class has been able to outdo this year’s seniors.
Many people think this trend is lame, immature or a waste of money.
And some have indifferent opinions about it.
“They’re fine,” said Dan Lamka ‘92. Although, this trend is necessary for the seniors. The seniors are going through very tough decisions, college, classes and what to have for dinner tonight. All these challenges add up, but for their last year, they need time for a break.
The backpacks redeem a sense of nostalgia for the seniors. They prove that even though they are soon-to-be adults, they can take life one step at a time and bring out the child in them.
“It’s a great way to have fun during our senior year,” said senior Helen Torgerson, wearing her Disney princess backpack.
Many other students have claimed the same ideas about their backpacks. This fun phenomenon shows how seniors can follow their dreams even if they are childish.
“These backpacks help us express ourselves! I love it,” said senior Avery Brooks.
Backpacks are, as Avery says, a way of self-expression, especially in a school with a dress code. The seniors are expressing themselves in a way to bring out their inner child and learn how to make the rest of their time at this school an adventure.