Horace High School seniors add pop of color to their everyday outfits with something everyone uses backpacks. Seniors wear colorful, childlike backpacks as a homage to their final year in school, and the final year before becoming an adult. This trend has been reported as far back as 2008 but recently caught on like wildfire thanks to social media like TikTok and Instagram.
In a survey of 36 random Horace seniors, 75% bought a senior backpack to participate in the trend, while the other 25% did not. When asked why the students participated, the answers varied. One response said “It’s our last year in school and you know it makes you realize how much you missed being a kid and how you wish you wouldn’t have wished to grow up so quick. Like take time to enjoy being a kid without responsibilities.” While researching, this was a frequent response. Seniors around the nation use these backpacks to express themselves and the nostalgic shows they watched in childhood, reminiscing on their last year of being a child. The most common answer, however, was simply that it was fun.
Those who did not participate were asked why. “…I would if I could find a kid backpack I like but I also think my backpack works just fine and I don’t really want to spend money!” Explained one student.
Children’s backpacks come in many designs and colors. When asked what theme the students’ bags are, there were numerous different answers. The most common, with 4 responses, was Spider-Man. Minecraft was also popular with 3 responses.
The reasons behind why they chose that backpack was mainly because it reminded them of their childhood. “I was obsessed with Dora as a kid” and “I always liked Spider-Man as a kid” were two of the answers showing their choices reflected their childhood. Some even knew exactly what backpack they wanted. One senior wrote, “I watch Hannah Montana every night, and love the show so much. when I was deciding on my backpack, I knew Hannah was the right choice.”
From Dora to Hello Kitty, this trend has sparked joy in the seniors here at Horace. Senior year is exciting and nerve wracking, but this trend exists as a “Last Hurrah” to their childhood.