Trapper Keepers to Laptops: Back-to-School as a Non-Traditional Student

I remember when I was younger, as summer wound down, my mom and dad would take me and my siblings school shopping at “Pennies,” as they called it—yes, that JCPenney. We could count on those back-to-school doorbuster deals for the essentials: underwear and clothes, sturdy shoes, and socks. Our next stop would be for backpacks with that fresh-zip sound, pens and pencils, crayons and markers, college-ruled paper, plus the holy grail of organization—Pee-Chee folders and Trapper Keepers.

In a future post, I’ll share the story of my short chapter as a hairdresser at JCPenney—the day I started, I met my best friend and partner in crime. But for now, let’s stay with that late-August feeling.

When my children were younger, my husband and I kept the same tradition going. We made a day of it: lists in hand, snacks packed, and that old commercial playing in my head—Mervyn’s iconic “Open, Open, Open.” (Even now, I still find myself calling Marshalls “Mervyn’s.” If you know, you know.

Modern must-haves

• Laptop or tablet

• Digital calendar set with class times, work shifts, and study blocks

• Textbooks or e-books

• Parking pass, transit card, or rideshare plan

Old-school essentials

• Pee-Chee folders or a favorite binder

• Trapper Keeper (color-coded tabs forever)

• Pens, pencils, crayons, college-ruled paper

• A backpack that can actually survive September

Then & Now: A Quick Prep Checklist

A Note to Fellow Nontraditional Students

You belong here. Your path might be winding, but it’s strong. The experiences you carry—Parenting, caregiving, working, starting over — they are not obstacles; they’re advantages. They sharpen your time management, deepen your wisdom, and make your “why” crystal clear. If you ever feel behind, remember you’re not late—you’re right on time.

Back-to-school season isn’t just a shopping trip; it’s a reset. Whether it’s fresh pencils or new e-books, the heart of the ritual is the same: we show up, we begin again, and we trust those butterflies to settle into focus. There’s magic in the reset.

-Adrienne

As the dog days of August crept toward the first day of school, I always felt that familiar flutter, like a caterpillar tucked into its cocoon all summer, suddenly emerging on the eve of school. Wings stretching—excited, a little anxious, a dash of nervousness —but ready for a new academic year..

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What is your fondest back-to-school memory? Do you remember the Pee-Chee folder? Share it with me via Instagram or email—I’d love to feature a few in an upcoming post.

These days, my back-to-school shopping looks a bit different. As a student again, my list includes laptops, textbooks, software codes, and yes—parking passes. And yet, I can still feel that same butterfly flutter nestled in my stomach. It’s the season’s quiet reminder: fresh pencils or new e-books, we’re all just beginning again.