As the 2017 Spring semester comes to a close and exam week nears, Texas State students are caught between work and play. Many students are finding solace from the stress of studying in Downtown San Marcos and Bobcat Village roommates Melody Evett and Mason Jones were no exception. The two were happy to be enjoying their caramel frappuccinos amidst a table of half written essays and exam reviews. With Evett studying for her education classes and Jones preparing for his business exams, they were hard at work, only stopping occasionally to take a cool, refreshing sip of iced coffee. At their feet sat two backpacks.
The life of a college student can sometimes be hectic, exhausting and downright nerve-wracking. Every student has their own unique experience, but most of us share one thing in common. Our backpacks.
Inside Melody’s Backpack:
Royal Blue Fjallraven Kanken Backpack
“Drink Coffee” Makeup Bag
“La Vie En Rose” Pencil Bag
Gum
Purex Hand Sanitizer
Lip Balm
Pink Folder
Blue Notebook
“Talk to Me in Korean” Handbook
“I use multicolored pens to organize my notes and keep myself entertained,” Evett said. “It’s a lot prettier than just plain old black and blue.”
“I usually listen to Pandora or NPR when I’m studying,” Evett said. “It really helps me to focus and relaxes me when I’ve got a big test or assignment coming up.”
“I’m starting to see the Kanken backpack everywhere,” Evett said. “I love it! It has just the right amount of pockets and space for a college student.”
Inside Mason’s Backpack:
Grey Minaal Carry-On Backpack
Book: Think Smart: A Neuroscience’s Prescription for Improving Your Brain’s Performance
Logitech Presenter R800
Business Cards
Assorted Pens and Pencils
Phone Charger
All-In-One Multifunction Skate Tool
Clicker
Assorted USB Cables
Black Umbrella
Sketchbook
Graphing Calculator
MacBook
“My Mac is basically my life,” Jones said. “I use it to make my schedules, do my homework and watch Netflix when I need to calm myself down.”
“After the flooding recently I refuse to be caught unaware again,” Jones said. “It’s [the umbrella] so small that I don’t mind carrying it around even if most of the rainy days have passed.”
“My backpack is, on average, about 20 pounds,” Jones said. “It’s definitely a workout going up and down the Alkek stairs everyday.”
By Sydney Pfeffer
A closer look into Moraida’s backpack. You’ll see his printed papers which are practice worksheets to assist in his studying.
Senior, Noe Moraida is an Exercise and Sports Science Major so his academic load is extremely heavy always. He is studying for one of his Upper-Extremedy Finals. Clearly he enjoys being comfortable during these stressful times.
Opening the main pocket of the backpack, this is what we find. The basics, including a notebook full of rigorous lecture notes… or at least that is the assumption here. Then the textbook, with him being a CJ major this is one of the required courses. Lastly, hydration is key so a water bottle is a must.
In the front pocket of Avila’s bag, there is the number one study tool in my opinion. Headphones are vital to the success of surviving finals week. They are needed to maneuver through campus to get to the library. Also used as sound-blockers to focus on studying.
Where there is stress there is a need for medication, by that I mean LEGAL medication. Stress can cause headaches, so Avila has ibuprofen handy. More school supplies are located in the second pocket as well.
Take a look inside the backpack of Texas State Junior, Nathanael Avila. Majoring in Criminal Justice, his backpack is typically on the hefty side. Preparing for finals week, having all the proper materials is necessary.
Students can not only rely on lecture notes or common knowledge to successfully complete their academics. Outside resources such as Goggle, Quizlet, and Chegg are used to ASSIST in “fact-checking” work. Without laptops, the world of education would be at a standstill.
Backpack appearance is everything on campus, especially during finals week. The fuller the bag, the more pain the student is in. It is clear that Noe Moraida’s bag is currently in the struggle phase.
This up-close shot is to bring clarity and realism to the backpack. The all black look is great and is accommodated by a matching black water bottle. Style is everything.
Exercise and Sports Science also require some alternative electives. One being Social Statistics. I can relate to Moraida in this case as I too have a final for this class approaching next week.
An angled look at the overall package. It may seem like a simple shot, but truly the amount of work that will be placed on these Texas State Students in the next week is almost too much to handle. I wish luck to all those in their path to Deans List, may A’s forever be in your favor.
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