Do you have a weird “keepsake” in your backpack that you just can’t get rid of? Whether it be because of an emotional connection, or for other reasons.

Many students throughout MHS share this sentiment. From straighteners, to air fresheners, there’s plenty of interesting items with even more interesting stories behind them.

Kelsy Esmoil, a sophomore, has carried a straightener in her backpack everyday since freshman year.

“All of my friends ask me, ‘did you bring your straightener today?’ and I’m always like, ‘Yeah!’” said Kelsy. 

She started putting her straightener in her bag during 9th grade, after every time she finished doing her hair. It just became a routine for her, and for her friends too!

“I think I do it not just for me, but for my friends too, because, you know, you gotta help a girl out,” said Kelsy.

Arabella Forneau, sophomore, carries an air freshener in her bag.

“My mom gave it to me because I started to use my dad’s old car, and it smells pretty musty in there, like a man,” said Arabella.

“I just keep forgetting to put it up,” added Arabella. 

Ninel Verdinez, junior, carries a particularly sentimental item.

An old Lifesaver gummy from 9th grade.

“I got some from the vending machine and I guess one of them happened to fall in my bag, and I noticed it when I was cleaning my bag out,” said Ninel. Which has become the origin story of this now mummified candy.

“I just keep it because it’s funny and it’s been with me since freshman year. It’s like a part of me now,” said Ninel.

Novalee Jara, senior, carries a clown-shaped acrylic nail that was a project for her art class.

“I didn’t finish it, but it was supposed to be a full set of various nails in different 3D shapes and sizes. I want to be a nail technician, and I wanted to showcase my interests in both doing art, and doing nails in my class,” said Novalee.

Almost everyone has some odd thing in their bags, whether it be food, fidgets, art, or even a lifesaver gummy, everyone is unique in their own way. What’s in your backpack?