Backpacks on a college campus carry more than just notebooks and laptops, they are direct reflections on who students are. At Los Medanos, students fill their backpacks with a range of meaningful items to everyday needs and even unexpected items. Each item has a different purpose but bringing it all together they show a story about a students routine, personalities and interest.

For some, the items students carry hold sentimental value. Plushies from friends, keychains collected over time, or small personal items that hold memory of a relationship and memories. These items may not all be necessary for class, but they bring that sense of comfort and familiarity through a student’s day. In that way, what students bring in their bags can be a source of motivation.

Similarly, many items that are used by lots of students. Laptops, notebooks and study materials like flashcards are staples in a lot of backpacks. This supports students in completing assignments and preparing for exams. These items reflect the studious side of college life and how students stay organized and focused.

But not everything in a backpack is expected. Many students carry just in case items such as hand sanitizer, gum, deodorant or medicine. These items highlight the importance of hygiene and personal care items, as well as the desire to feel prepared and confident throughout the day. While they may not be used everyday, they are essential for many students to get through the day.

Across campus, no backpacks are the same. Each one has its own unique combination of meaningful and unexpected items that in all tell a story. In a place as diverse as LMC, these small details highlight how students choose to express themselves not just through their clothes, but through what they carry with them every day.