Below, we discuss (in chronological order) the use of different backpacks that you might see if you were to take a stroll around the Westridge campus. Although we don't really use them anymore, backpacks were a cornerstone of Westridge culture that very few people discussed. As always, Thursday Detention is here to shed light on the aspects of Westridge that you didn't even know you needed to hear about. So, without further ado...
Animal Backpacks
Be honest. You either the yellow one, or you had the monkey backpack with the leash on it. Just be happy your mom didn’t lose you at Disneyland even with the leash. True story...
Novelty Sequin Backpacks
These felt SO cool at the time. Like SO cool. And you know what? They still do.
Zucas
There is absolutely no reason why these were ever a trend. They were and still are so, so incredibly hideous. They were fun to sit on, but that’s basically it.
Pottery Barn Table Cloths Converted Into Suitcases
This is what happens when you graduate from a Zuca. There were two types of kids who had these: the ones who went down the stairs holding the bag by the handle and the kids who slowly walked down the stairs with the backpack still rolling, hearing each wheel slowly but unmistakably hitting each and every stair. To this day, the sound of the mob of kids coming out of class and lugging their rolling backpack down the stairs still haunts me.
Satchels/Laptop Bags
Remember when everyone was required to get a Yoga satchel in 7th grade? The phase only lasted for the first two months of school, but it was still an important moment in backpack history to document.
Clear/Holographic Mini Backpacks
Everyone had these. They made us feel VERY 2016 Coachella. People who owned these grew up to use Kankens.
Lululemon Bags
Very Christian girl Autumn and VSCO girl. If you had one of these in middle school, you probably played B team volleyball and went to Starbucks with the whole “squad”.
The Continued Use of Rolling Backpacks
In high school, these became more sophisticated, almost business-like. If you have a rolling backpack, give yourself a pat on the back. Feel that? Actual correct bone structure.
REI Mountaineering Gear
Only a special kind of Westridge student uses these. Usually, these students come from some Interim trip or family camping trip and keep using their backpacking equipment because it has room to hold all their normal school stuff plus their first aid kids, pumper cables, emergency water pumps, and carabiners. All of these items are necessary for daily school activities, of course.
Purses
Mom, is that you? These kids somehow have no textbooks and infinite room in their purses. They swing them around like they have nothing inside. They also look sophisticated. The entire thing is a mystery.
Unsettlingly Large JanSports
We all have horrible posture at this point, but the JanSport kids were the first to the trend.
Herschel Backpacks
Transitioning into high school usually means transitioning to a bulky Herschel bag. Unnecessarily expensive. They're simple and unassuming. They have no character. We suggest you all stick to Zucas for effect.