Comments on: Backpacks versus Messengers http://ericstoller.com/blog/2007/02/09/backpacks-versus-messengers/ | social justice | higher education | technology | Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:16:51 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.7 by: Carlo Cajetan http://ericstoller.com/blog/2007/02/09/backpacks-versus-messengers/#comment-4564 Fri, 16 Feb 2007 02:19:30 +0000 http://ericstoller.com/blog/2007/02/09/backpacks-versus-messengers/#comment-4564 I tried using a messenger bag in college. Soon found out that it wasn't healthy for my back because of two main reasons: 1. My back hurt, 2. I took human anatomy classes. Switched back to the backpack. Entering grad school in Massachusetts, my new best friends brought me to an EMS store. I found a backpack that I used faithfully everyday, even converting from school use to travel use when I flew home to California. I still have that bag and it is over ten years old. Are the stores still around? Used the same EMS backpack when I became a HS teacher. It probably didn't look "professional" but I wanted to encourage my students to use a backpack and use both straps, darnit! And you are right, students are quick to see through any sort of "professional dress" especially when you look younger. I think you can still behave and appear professional through your actions, attitude, etc not just the clothes. Now I use a Da Kine backpack. EMS bag is now used for day trips. I tried using a messenger bag in college. Soon found out that it wasn’t healthy for my back because of two main reasons: 1. My back hurt, 2. I took human anatomy classes. Switched back to the backpack.

Entering grad school in Massachusetts, my new best friends brought me to an EMS store. I found a backpack that I used faithfully everyday, even converting from school use to travel use when I flew home to California. I still have that bag and it is over ten years old. Are the stores still around?

Used the same EMS backpack when I became a HS teacher. It probably didn’t look “professional” but I wanted to encourage my students to use a backpack and use both straps, darnit! And you are right, students are quick to see through any sort of “professional dress” especially when you look younger. I think you can still behave and appear professional through your actions, attitude, etc not just the clothes.

Now I use a Da Kine backpack. EMS bag is now used for day trips.

]]> by: Michelle Marie http://ericstoller.com/blog/2007/02/09/backpacks-versus-messengers/#comment-4542 Wed, 14 Feb 2007 20:17:33 +0000 http://ericstoller.com/blog/2007/02/09/backpacks-versus-messengers/#comment-4542 For me, it is a question of overall presentation. I teach an undergraduate course of 80+ students as a not-terribly-old graduate student, and I go back and forth on whether to "dress up" (to be more "professional") or to just dress as myself and take the chance that my students will perceive me as less "professional." So far, I've concluded that my students would see through "dressing up," so I just wear my regular clothes and carry my blue da kine backpack - and I don't think they think anything of it. Other opinions? Other experiences? For me, it is a question of overall presentation. I teach an undergraduate course of 80+ students as a not-terribly-old graduate student, and I go back and forth on whether to “dress up” (to be more “professional”) or to just dress as myself and take the chance that my students will perceive me as less “professional.” So far, I’ve concluded that my students would see through “dressing up,” so I just wear my regular clothes and carry my blue da kine backpack - and I don’t think they think anything of it. Other opinions? Other experiences?

]]> by: Eric Stoller http://ericstoller.com/blog/2007/02/09/backpacks-versus-messengers/#comment-4523 Tue, 13 Feb 2007 21:11:25 +0000 http://ericstoller.com/blog/2007/02/09/backpacks-versus-messengers/#comment-4523 Wendy and I made several visits to an EMS store in Rhode Island. I think they are still around on the East Coast. Wendy and I made several visits to an EMS store in Rhode Island. I think they are still around on the East Coast.

]]> by: annz0r http://ericstoller.com/blog/2007/02/09/backpacks-versus-messengers/#comment-4522 Tue, 13 Feb 2007 21:07:48 +0000 http://ericstoller.com/blog/2007/02/09/backpacks-versus-messengers/#comment-4522 EMS closed most of their stores IIRC. When I got it there WERE EMS stores, but I ordered it online anyway. EMS closed most of their stores IIRC. When I got it there WERE EMS stores, but I ordered it online anyway.

]]> by: Eric Stoller http://ericstoller.com/blog/2007/02/09/backpacks-versus-messengers/#comment-4504 Mon, 12 Feb 2007 02:02:56 +0000 http://ericstoller.com/blog/2007/02/09/backpacks-versus-messengers/#comment-4504 John - Thanks for commenting. James - I think if Larry can do it, you can too :) I've run through the Seattle Airport wearing a suit with my backpack on. I think it's a unique look. Ann - Yes, my blog apparently doesn't like your comment shenanigans. EMS makes some good stuff. Do they have stores in Chicago or did you get it via the internets? Patricia - I'm so happy that you made the stew. That makes 2 readers who have made it this weekend! I remember running to catch the Blue Line with my messenger bag. A backpack would have made sprinting a lot easier :) John - Thanks for commenting.

James - I think if Larry can do it, you can too :) I’ve run through the Seattle Airport wearing a suit with my backpack on. I think it’s a unique look.

Ann - Yes, my blog apparently doesn’t like your comment shenanigans. EMS makes some good stuff. Do they have stores in Chicago or did you get it via the internets?

Patricia - I’m so happy that you made the stew. That makes 2 readers who have made it this weekend! I remember running to catch the Blue Line with my messenger bag. A backpack would have made sprinting a lot easier :)

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