Since the dawn of time (or when we began to evolve as humans), backpacks have been a staple of human culture and history (with some recorded to exist as early as 3000 BC). Everyone has a backpack (or something similar, like a purse or something).
I feel like backpacks are underrated; people use them for almost everything. Natalia Santiago, a junior at Pasco High School, currently has two backpacks, and she shares the duties they perform throughout the day.
“I use it for my meets, to carry food, sweaters, water bottles, hygiene essentials, and for school, I carry my computer, pencils, notebooks, highlighters, and gum,” Natalia said.
Carrying everything in your arms would be a hassle, but we would be jacked. Some people have a lot of things in their backpacks, which can lead to a disorganized backpack. It also feels like the mistreatment of backpacks is normalized. Some are super dirty, others are stuffed with papers and can barely close, some have broken zippers, and some are just falling apart.
The state of a backpack can reveal a lot about a person’s character.
Luckily, Chelsea Rangel, a student in the Running Start program, keeps her backpack in decent shape.
“My environment is safe…I go to college; security is everywhere, and my backpack is in okay condition. I bought my backpack in July 2024 at Road 68 at Walmart at 12:34 p.m…I take care of my backpack, and I only carry my laptop and notebook, depending on the classes,” Chelsea said. “Some classes require heavy books, but nothing my backpack can’t take. I clean my bag every quarter, so four times a year, it’s not organized, but I try my best.”
Both Natalia’s and Chelsea’s backpacks are not neglected and are cared for. This behavior determines what a backpack would say (if it could speak).
“[If my backpack could talk, it would say] ‘echale ganas’,” said Natalia, which translates to “Give it your all.”
“My backpack would say ‘good job, keep going, ‘” said Chelsea.
If you were to assess the type of environment/treatment your backpack receives and the type of life you live, what would your backpack say?
