Vogue’s ‘In the Bag’ series might feature Chanel wallets and Bottega handbags, but at Bronx Science, it’s keychains, notebooks, and caffeine that get students through the day. Each bag tells a story, so what’s in yours?

Item #1: Notebook full of random thoughts and homework reminders

The edges are bent, the pages smudged with ink, and the cover is starting to peel, but for Anna Lenzi Palermo ’29, this notebook is priceless. It’s more than just paper and ink; it reflects who she is. From random thoughts to half-finished ideas, this notebook tells the story of nearly a decade of her life. “I’ve had my notebook since I was in fourth grade,” Lenzi said. “It’s seen my ups and downs, failed tests, lectures, and more.” Each page tells a different story, ranging from notes to random comments. It is the perfect representation of what goes on inside the brain; full of ideas, reminders, and moments that might otherwise be forgotten.

Item #2: Planner

The one piece of advice every Bronx Science student has heard at least once is surprisingly simple: use a planner. Students swear by it, guidance counselors recommend it, and for many, it’s the only thing standing between order and chaos. When I started using my Bronx Science planner for the first time this year, I finally understood the hype. Senior Marisa Quigley ’26 agrees. “I would be completely disorganized without it, but it also tracks my entire life,” she said. “I use my planner 24/7 and even write down tasks I’ve already done just so I can cross them off my list.” Anytime she wants to look back on her day, she can simply flip through her planner and see every detail.

Item #3: Book for commute

What do you do on the train every morning? Do you complete last-minute homework, listen to music, or scroll through TikTok? For Mr. Giorgis Blessent, a French and Italian teacher at Bronx Science, the answer is simple: he reads a book, something he genuinely enjoys. “I can’t live without reading something every day because…reading is fundamental,” he added, quoting RuPaul. Reading can feel boring at times, but the right book makes all the difference. Marigold Bonner ’28 agrees, saying, “Sometimes reading feels like a chore, but once I find a book I enjoy, it’s just as investing as a good movie and then I really love it.” Mr. Giorgis Blessent proves that when you find the right book, even a long subway ride to Bronx Science can turn into something worth looking forward to.

Item #4: Candy

To Olivia Markesic ’28, no bag is complete without a sweet treat. Between A.P. classes, an endless amount of homework, and the chaos of school life, a quick sugar boost can be a lifesaver. “Sometimes I just need a sweet treat to lift my mood,” Markesic explained. I can relate — sometimes even a piece of gum is enough to cheer me up. The ritual of bringing candy started in elementary school, when her mom would tuck a small piece of candy into her lunch as a pick-me-up, and it has stayed with her ever since. “I would always look forward to it,” Markesic recalled. Now, whether she’s rushing to cross country practice or staying up late to study, she always makes sure a sweet treat is close by.

Item #5: Celsius Powder Sticks

While energy drinks aren’t the healthiest choice, they remain a fan favorite among students. Each morning, it’s common to see classmates clutching their go-to beverages: usually a Celsius, Alani, or Red Bull. Sadie O’Connell ’28 takes a slightly different approach, keeping Celsius powder sticks in her bag instead. “I don’t always have time to grab a drink in the morning,” she explains. “Instead of having to buy an energy drink every day, I can just save the powder sticks for the days when I need it the most.” The packets take up almost no space, and with a quick pour into her water bottle, she’s ready to tackle the day. For busy students like O’Connell, powdered energy mixes are a convenient alternative that provide caffeine without the cost of a canned drink every day.

Item #6: Digital camera

A flash of light, the distinct click of a shutter, and a moment is captured forever. Buried at the bottom of Leo Rempe-Hiam’s bag is a digital camera, waiting for the perfect scene. “I can capture the moments I love seeing,” explained Rempe-Hiam ’28. With a click of a button, memories are frozen in time. He keeps it in his bag because, “my camera helps me connect with others and make new friends and memories I can have forever.” Whether it’s a spontaneous smile in the hallway or an eventful school day, he is always ready. For Rempe-Hiam, photography turns ordinary moments into lasting memories, capturing the small gestures, laughter, and details that might otherwise be lost. Through his lens, Rempe-Hiam preserves the little moments that make life meaningful, turning them into memories that can be revisited again-and-again.

Item #7: Sonny Angel collectible

Tiny, cheerful figures peek out of backpacks, adding a touch of personality to everyday school life. One might have noticed these figures during Spirit Week or attached to someone’s belt loop. Labubus, Smiskis, and Sonny Angels are among the many collectibles students carry. “They’re little figures that brighten my day,” Sadie O’Connell explained. Each one is different, and collecting them has become a small hobby she loves. They come in blind boxes, which adds an element of surprise to each new edition. “Whenever I’m stressed out, just looking at them makes me smile,” she added. O’Connell keeps one attached to the top of her laptop as a small reminder of happiness. Thanks to their small size, the figures are easy to carry and bring a little joy wherever they go.

Item #8: Hair clip

One of Shiri Pasman’s essential everyday items is a simple hair clip, small yet indispensable. “It’s really useful when I need to pull my hair out of my face to focus on something,” Pasman ’28 explained. It keeps her prepared for chemistry lab days, ready for exams, and focused during long days of school. What makes this particular clip special is the story behind it: her mom gave it to her at the start of the school year. “Every time I use it, I think of her, and it gives me comfort throughout my day,” Pasman added. Over time, the clip has become more than just a practical tool. It serves as a small reminder of home and the support that travels with her wherever she goes. Even on the busiest days, clipping her hair back brings a sense of calm and familiarity.

Item #9: Wallet

Everyone carries a wallet, and it’s easy to take it for granted until you lose it. Jonah Bonin ’26 has a smarter system. “It’s got all my IDs, extra random coupon cards, and a little fat card my grandmother got me that allows me to track my wallet.” This “fat card” is likely a Tile or something similar to an AirTag, which would have been very useful when I lost my wallet a few months ago. But wallets are more than just what they hold; they also tell stories. “Whenever I use it, I always think back to buying it in a crowded street a few months ago,” explained Bonin. Julia Brown ’28 agreed, carrying her Lululemon wristlet with her everywhere. “My lanyard is the most important thing I take when I go somewhere because it has my keys, airpods, IDs, wallet, and my lip gloss. These items are all things I must have no matter what.” Each wallet tells a story of daily routines and holding on to the little things that keep life running smoothly.

Item #10: Reusable Baggu Tote

Growing up in New York City, you constantly hear “do you want a bag?” as the cashier rings you up. Most people do not carry a bag, forcing them to cough up five cents every here and there. But Amanda Crisci, an English teacher at Bronx Science, does things differently. She does not carry much to work every day, but the one item she always has is her foldable Baggu tote. She keeps it handy for unexpected errands or heavy loads after school. The bag also holds sentimental value: her mom gave it to her years ago when the brand first came out. “It’s always good to be prepared if the load gets too heavy,” Ms. Crisci said. Like her mother, who always carries several foldable bags, Ms. Crisci enjoys having a practical and stylish way to handle whatever the day brings.

Chances are you won’t find Chanel or Bottega in Bronx Science backpacks, but you will find a notebook that has survived years of classes, a piece of candy, or a hair clip that carries a piece of home. Each bag at Bronx Science tells a story, revealing the small items that make students who they are. Next time you zip up your backpack, take a closer look inside! You might be surprised at what your own everyday essentials reveal about you.

“I’ve had my notebook since I was in fourth grade,” Anna Lenzi Palermo ’29 said. “It’s seen my ups and downs, failed tests, lectures, and more.”