Have Lockers Lost their Usefulness?

Lockers have been a staple in American schools since the 1920s, and since then have been iconically known through media and pop culture. Theoretically, they offer students a safe space to keep their belongings throughout the day; and, not so long ago, it was the norm for students to make use of their lockers. In fact, they used to be so popular at NHS that freshmen would have to share their lockers with each other. So, what changed over the years? Why is no one using their locker?

One factor is the shorter time period between classes. Today’s 3-½ minutes probably limit a student’s ability to use their locker between classes. “I don’t use my locker because I think it’s inconvenient to go between classes when I don’t have much time,” Junior Rain Aguado-Caceres said.

On the other hand, Junior Haley Papeo finds her locker to be important for regulating her school life. “I use my locker every day at least, because it’s really convenient, and my bag is kind of small,” she said. Papeo also appreciates that her locker happens to have an advantageous placement near her main classes. Students like Haley in the music program often have their lockers in the performance arts hallway, while athletes’ lockers are generally close to the gym. Evidently, the location of your locker could say something about who you are.

Junior Ian Villanueva has always been ambivalent on the usefulness of his locker. “Last year I used to use it because it reduced weight when I was biking,” Villanueva explained. However, as time went on, using his locker became more of a nuisance: “I like having my stuff with me at all times.”

Others never really got into the habit of using their locker. “I’m very forgetful so I know if I did use it, I would leave stuff in it,” said Junior Enessa Reyimbayeva.

Contrary to the portrayal in teen movies, where the characters use them as an area for socialization and go as far as to decorate their lockers, many students today do not even know where their locker is; and, many who do know complain that it’s not close enough to any of their classes. 

Ten or so years ago, students had to carry multiple textbooks and notebooks, so their lockers offered relief. Today, with technology, most of the work is online. All students really need to carry is a chromebook and folder. A growing trend of students saving their money by only buying one multi-subject notebook for all their classes may also be a contributing factor.

Considering the practicality of school lockers, students’ opinions tend to vary widely. While the majority seem to find no use for their lockers when they can carry everything they need from class to class in their bags, many still reminisce about the age-old American tradition of using their locker in everyday school life.