Student Spending: What is Beaver Buying?

I think that overall, us Beaver students are relatively responsible spenders. However, it is also important to treat yourself every once in a while, something the Beaver upper school is more than familiar with. So, in this truly non judgmental article coming from another student we will answer the question: What are Beaver Students Spending their Money on?

Caffeine. I would say that at least half of Beaver upper school students come in each morning equipped with a Starbucks drink or a Dunkin' iced coffee. I, personally, am too lazy to get up early enough to stop by somewhere before school and get something sweet for the day. After-school is definitely more my time. How everyone seems to pass one of the two stores on their route to school I will never understand. What I do know is that the remnants of these drinks are finished by A block break, the only evidence of their existence being the empty plastic cups in the trash and the cup rings left on desks. 

Online shopping. Breaks and free blocks are usually spent one of two ways: catching up on work due in the next 10 minutes, or online shopping. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I felt I had to address the elephant in the room. There is an unspoken hard truth that everyone, especially teachers, already know. Students are not only doing this on their own time, but also occasionally during class. However, if it makes you feel any better, “shopping” is not necessarily an accurate term. I would say around 85% of the time items are added to cart, only to sit there and never be purchased. 

Clothes, particularly sweats. Going along with online shopping, an obvious item that practically every high school student is interested in would be clothes. As the weather gets colder and getting out of our warm, cozy beds gets harder, sweatshirts and sweatpants seem to become the go-to choice for the Beaver upper school. They are practically the dress code, more specifically brands like Essentials, Dandy, Lululemon, Nike, Brandy Melville, The Mayfair Group, as well as college sweatshirts. Sweats are an easy and comfortable option, making them a popular choice amongst students during the colder months.

Going out to lunch. While for most students this is not a daily occurrence, going out to lunch is a luxury that Seniors and starting spring term, Juniors, get to receive. For those with a car and without an E block or connects class, off-campus lunches tend to be popular. 

Gum. The cheapest and seemingly most mundane item on this list just so happens to be possibly the most treasured by Beaver students. Although the purchase is low commitment, gum is practically a form of currency at school. It’s not uncommon to hear something along the lines of I’ll fill up your water bottle if you give me gum or I gave you a piece last week so you have to give me one now when walking down the hallways. As far as value goes; mint would be on the lower end, while fruity-flavors are considered the big-bucks.

Beaver merch. Many students like to represent their school through clothes and accessories sold from Beaver swag tables set up during games and periodically throughout the school year. Whether it is the flannel pajama pants or the heavily endorsed trucker hats, it makes me happy when I see Beaver spirit on campus, or better yet out in public. Seeing another car on the roads with a circular B magnet always brings me a sense of school spirit, and of course that warm and fuzzy gnaw gnaw gnaw feeling.