I have a theory. Well, technically I have many theories, but I want to talk about one particular theory. This theory, nay, this phenomenon applies to college students everywhere, especially as they begin their respective treks back to school.

Wearing college gear in the airport.

I do not mean having a water bottle or even a laptop sticker. What I refer to is the (occasionally) excessive utilization of multiple items of school apparel.

This is not an attempt to call out and or shame all individuals who have and continue to do this — I understand. I myself have proudly pranced through security rocking a fleece and/or t-shirt emblazoned with WashU’s name. What I am interested in is why.

And I think I cracked the code.

College is a time that many students leave home and learn how to live without the constant guidance of parental figures. But just because we earn the freedom to eat cereal for every meal does not mean we want all the other responsibilities that adulthood brings. We want to run free but know that if we get lost someone will come searching. Rooted in this innocent inclination, my theory boils down to the following:

College students, despite their intelligence, fear becoming lost and subliminally crave a place for them to be identified with amidst the calamitous crowds of airports; ergo, while traveling to/from school, they wear their apparel as a fashionable and age appropriate blankie.