Have you ever watched the Vogue or Elle magazine interviews of your favorite celebrities going through what’s in their bag? Well, if you haven’t, someone definitely has because all those videos have millions of views. Sometimes the things in these actors’ or singers’ bags do seem far-fetched, and I can’t help but wonder if our Stingers carry around some of those things in their bags too.
So, if you ever wonder what your classmates are carrying around in their backpacks, I took a closer look to find out the essentials, the random, and the fun! The bags at Seven Hills tell more than just a story of school supplies; they are a snapshot of student life. What a Stinger carries around tells not just what they are doing right then, but also who they are, and what their life entails.
Senior Ryan Brackett’s bag is very practical. The good quality Patagonia backpack is durable and not frilly. When asked what was in his bag, Bracket said, “My keys, and my phone.” Not going to lie: a phone is a controversial thing here on campus, but since Brackett is a senior, his phone and his keys are essential.
One unexpected find in Brackett’s bag is a flashlight. It is definitely not something most students carry, but for him, it is a necessity. Since he works at a concert venue where a flashlight is mandatory for his shift, it stays in his backpack for when he heads straight there after school. Another standout item? A binder. At a school where everything seems to happen on iPads, spotting a binder feels like a refreshing throwback. Brackett also reps his future school with a Kentucky-themed pencil case. When I asked if he wished he had Aquaphor in his bag, Brackett said, “No,” but he did admit he would not mind having some gum.
Senior Quincy Morris also gave me the inside scoop on her backpack! Morris’s bag is packed with everything a busy student needs. She was writing an essay on her laptop when we talked, but her iPad, a bunch of books from AP English with Tricia. Hoar, and a folder were all in her bag too. When I asked if she carried hand sanitizer, Morris said, “No,” but she made it clear Aquaphor is a must: “I use it every day.”
She is not alone: whether it is a giant seven-ounce tube or a smaller version, Aquaphor is everywhere at Seven Hills. Morris’s North Face backpack reflects her style: clean, functional, and ready to handle whatever the day throws at her, although she, too, wishes she had some gum in her backpack. Student government might need to invest in some gum in the cafeteria or vending machines because it seems like students want it.
Additionally, it is impossible to walk down the halls of Seven Hills without spotting a North Face backpack. Along with Patagonia and Jansport, it is one of the top three brands dominating the school. To see just how popular these bags are, I conducted a quick hallway experiment: walking from the library to the doors near Mrs. Minton’s desk right after the lunch bell, I counted the backpacks I saw. The results? Twelve North Face, six Patagonia, and only three Jansport backpacks. While not a scientifically rigorous study, the numbers tell a clear story: Seven Hills students love their North Face gear. Of course, not everyone sticks to these top three brands. Some students prefer to stand out with bags from Kate Spade, Kanken, or other unique styles. Whether it is about functionality, durability, or making a fashion statement, backpacks at Seven Hills are as varied as the students who carry them.
Another common theme among Seven Hills students? Being ready for anything. Seniors Reagan Licata and Sarina Bedi both stress the importance of always having snacks or some cash in their backpacks. You never know when a bake sale might pop up, and being prepared means you won’t miss out on a chance to grab a treat or support a good cause. You do not want to miss out on the boba or the food trucks we often have coming to our campus! As Sarina said, “You never know when you’ll need it!” Practical advice from two seasoned senior students who know how to get the most out of their school day.
Overall, the bags of Seven Hills students serve as more than just carriers of essentials; they provide a glimpse into each student’s individual habits, priorities, and quirks. From practicality to sentimentality, each backpack tells a story unique to its owner, a small but telling reflection of student life at Seven Hills. I am grateful to have gotten the chance to see a glimpse into the interesting lives of everyone who makes this community so special.
