For many students at Baruch, their day begins in a rush.
One minute, backpacks are calmly on the floor and the next minute, they’re being picked up in a hurry. “I am late for the first period basically every day,” said Lina Nouari, an 11th grader. “Because of that I forget most of my supplies at home due to being distracted.”
If mornings were less rushed, then backpacks would look different. Some days they are light as a feather while others are overfilled to the point where the zipper gets stuck.
Backpacks are usually carried on only one shoulder. As that may seem easier, it does cause harm to the body especially for students. The Mayo Clinic Health System states that if a backpack isn’t worn properly–with both straps on—then over time it can cause lower and upper back pain as well as strained shoulders and back.
But the commute to school isn’t easier, especially because it’s NYC. backpacks get shoved or pushed to the point where they have to be put onto the ground to make more space.
By the time students reach Baruch, their bags have already taken a toll. On the outside they may look fine, but on the inside? Absolute chaos.
“I use a backpack and to be honest it’s always messy and filled with loose papers,” said 11th grader, Jessica Navarrete. Research from K12 Tutoring shows that when backpacks are chaotic, it’s harder for teens to keep track of what’s in it and it leads to missing papers or supplies. Without consistent habits, students can slowly fall behind.
Backpacks are always being opened during the day. “I believe I always carry pens or pencils,” Lina said, “but I still ask my friends for one because I’d be too lazy to take it out of my bag.”
By lunch, backpacks are usually on the floor or on the side after being carried around.
“The most random thing I have in my bag has to be a pair of grinch socks,” said Navarrete. Nouari also noted on how clutter reflects how a student feels. As things are more cluttered, stress levels can increase. “My bag 100% reflects how stressed I feel,” said Navarrete.
Navarrete also linked her stress to forgetfulness. “I think my bag reflects how I feel because I get stressed easily, and because of that I forget half of the stuff I need.”
As the school year goes on, backpacks feel heavier and the weight starts to matter more. “I wouldn’t say my bag is heavy,” Lina said, “but after a period of time, it starts to affect me and my shoulders start to hurt.”
As to what the Mayo Clinic Health System stated, backpacks shouldn’t be more than 10-15% of a student’s weight. Over time, it can lead to back pain, shoulder pain, and bad posture. Students do their best to avoid this by carrying less and placing supplies in their locker. Unfortunately, lockers don’t always help. “I think someone took my locker and I don’t feel like telling someone,” Nouari said. “So I just don’t use one”
Even lockers can be inconvenient especially with short passing periods here at Baruch so some students choose to keep everything with them.
By the end of the school day at 2:40, backpacks might be heavier than the morning as students grab everything they need for their homework. Even after school, backpacks are still involved as students need to take assignments out or their laptop.
Backpacks might seem like a basic school item, but inside it reflects students’ habits, stress and how they get through the day.
