Every August to June, the things students carry are determined by necessity.

Absolute necessities often include backpacks, textbooks, pencils, pens, erasers, notebooks, and an agenda.

These objects may not weigh much on their own,

but the collective addition of these objects make a heavy impact.

Instruments, score sheets, tuners, reeds, and passion for melodies

are carried by the music muses.

The sports fanatics carry

gym shoes, sports equipment, energy drinks, adoration for the game, dedication to practice, and eagerness to win.

Paints, charcoal pencils, erasers, sketch pads, brushes, creative minds, and innovative ideas

are carried by the whimsical artists.

The studious crammers carry

inadequate sleep, bloodshot eyes, inability to think straight, dark circles, and bipolar moods.

There is such a diversity of students; however, they all share similar characteristics.

Students carry the pressure to succeed, expectations from parents, stress from school work,

and hopes of the future.

Even with respective differences,

the things students carry are what join them together.