For most kids, back-to-school commercials are a symbol of the end of fun and the beginning of another year spent counting the days until next summer begins. For some of us, though, back-to-school comes second only to Christmas or birthdays. Back-to-school means we get to carefully handpick the supplies we'll use for the years to come. It starts small, as simple as picking out folders with our favorite superheroes emblazoned on them, but over time it grows into an insatiable need. By the time we're in college, there's nothing that can be done to cure us. We are school supply addicts, and if you can relate to more than five of these things, you just might be, too.
1. You have strong opinions on ruled paper.
Whether your preference is college ruled or wide ruled, you will have a teacher that requires you to use your less preferred type for assignments, and you'll probably just end up borrowing from a friend rather than forcing yourself to buy the offending loose leaf.
2. You have just as strong opinion on notebooks.
How can you choose between convenience of the perforated spiral or the sleekness of a neatly bound composition book?
3. Selecting binders are nearly impossible.
How many inches? Cloth or plastic? View or no view? Do you want locking rings? Why are there so many options!?
4. You have a serious loyalty to your pens.
It feels like you're cheating when you use any other kind.
5. There's nothing quite like that new Sharpie smell.
Resist the urge to put it directly into your nose. Remember the rule from chemistry class, you know, probably the only part you actually remember? Waft it gently towards you.
6. You have at least two staplers.
One for home and one for on the go!
7. Post-Its are the only sticky notes you'll touch.
The Super Sticky line will change your life.
8. You've been personally victimized by one of these.
Single hole punches can be so problematic. They jam, the reservoir is too small, and they only punch through about three pages at a time - one if you're trying to punch any kind of construction paper or card stock.
9. So you graduated to one of these.
And you probably carry it in your backpack. No judgement, your classmates will be thankful when your teacher gives you a handout with no holes.
10. Though you will always prefer these.
So sleek, so satisfying.
11. Spacemakers are the superior pencil cases.
They symbolize your childhood, innocence, and the beginning of your addiction. You probably have a few of these hidden away, awaiting their triumphant return.
12. It's your life's goal to own every color of highlighter imaginable.
It's necessary for proper color coding of notes.
13. You have literally hundreds of paperclips in your home.
All different colors, sizes, and shapes. For when a staple is just too permanent.
14. You always have a pen on you.
Probably several, if we're being honest. You never have to use an inferior pen to sign bills, receipts, or package slips.
15. You're torn when it comes to the mechanical vs. wooden pencil argument.
So you keep both on hand, along with the extra lead, sharpeners, and erasers needed.
16. You have more index cards than you could possibly need.
We're talking multiple packages, in varying sizes and colors.
17. You're itching to go to this aisle now.
You're mentally calculating the free space in your desk, trying to find places to be filled.
18. And now you're making this face.
I know you. I am you.
19. So go forth and buy more school supplies, you deserve it!
