At Southern Nazarene University, every student carries more than just textbooks and notebooks in their bag. Backpacks and totes often hold little pieces of their personalities, priorities, and everyday college needs. Looking inside a student’s bag can give you a glimpse of who they are on campus.
From athletes to academic planners, SNU students carry items that reflect their identities. Some things are practical—laptops, chargers, and planners—while others are unique and personal. “One thing I can’t go without is my lip gloss for sure,” said Anna Mathis.
One of the most common answers students gave was their laptop or books. “You need it for every class,” Mathis added. Another popular item was headphones. “ I love listening to my music on my way to class, or even while doing homework,” Reagan Landers expressed. Walking to class in silence is no joke; many students say they won’t be caught without their headphones.
Bags can also reflect how students approach organization. Some keep theirs clean and tidy, while others… not so much. “My bag is super clean because I like having that organized, but my room is not so clean sometimes,” Matthis continued. For some, the clutter of papers and assignments feels overwhelming, while others actually prefer the “organized chaos” because they know exactly where everything is.
What’s in my bag may not seem like much, but here at SNU, it is a mix of practicality and personality. Whether it is gum, a travel-size perfume, or a journal to stay grounded, every item says something about the student carrying it. So next time you are sitting in chapel, grabbing Chick-fil-A, or studying in the library, remember: everyone’s bag is carrying more than just books. It’s carrying a piece of who they are at SNU.
Photo by: Ella Phillips