Amidst a sea of grey and navy backpacks, a sparkle of pink or yellow stands out. You might even see lightning McQueen zoom by. But what is a children’s backpack doing on a high school campus?

Seniors wearing children’s backpacks has become a phenomenon on many high school campuses across the country, including FMHS. From Hello Kitty to Spider-Man, students proudly sport backpacks adorned with their favorite childhood characters. 

“Normal backpacks are boring. I needed something cooler,” senior Avery Juarez said. 

For some, it’s also a way to stand out and embrace their individuality. In the structured environment of high school, these playful backpacks allow seniors to make a bold statement and add a touch of humor to their daily routines. 

“I originally heard about the trend through Tik Tok, but also just going to school and seeing other students doing it,” senior Camryn Evans said. 

The trend can also be an effort to lighten the stressful atmosphere of senior year with playfulness, a touch of humor, and nostalgia. With “senioritis” kicking in, where academic and social pressures start to take over as graduation looms, seniors might turn to colorful, whimsical backpacks as a way to remind themselves not to take life too seriously. It’s a lighthearted way to find joy in the midst of stress and deadlines. For others, it’s about connecting with friends and creating shared memories. 

“[Me and my friends] got ours thrifting together,” senior Kaylee Petersen said. 

No matter the reason, the backpack trend is more than just a quirky fashion statement. It’s a reflection of seniors’ personalities, values, and the bittersweet transition from adolescence to adulthood, a reminder that even as they prepare to leave high school, a piece of their childhood still remains with them.