I carry a series of essential items that I rely on daily in my bag. Each one a text in its own right, telling a story about my life, my routines, and my engagement with the world around me.

First, I carry my iPhone, and it is perhaps the most telling text technology I carry. It is my primary means of communication, my calendar, my news source, and my access to family members on the other side of the world. It also gives me the opportunity to learn and engage with people and cultures I am not familiar with through social media apps. My phone speaks volumes about the digital age I live in, where connectivity and information are at my fingertips, and where my interactions are often mediated through screens. It reflects a culture deeply engaged with technology, enabling instant communication and access to knowledge.

Next, I carry my wallet with me everyday. It containing credit cards, my driver’s license, Compass card (for public transit), some cash, and a few loyalty cards from my favorite coffee shops and local stores. This small object narrates my movements through the city, my financial transactions, and my consumer preferences. It speaks of an urban lifestyle, the convenience of cashless payments, and my support for local businesses.

I also carry a notepad (free from a local realtor, who likes to leave free notepads in my mailbox!) and a pen, traditional text technologies that contrast with my smartphone. The notebook is a place for spontaneous thoughts, to-do lists, immediate notes (ex. a message I need to write down while on the phone) and reminders. It represents a slower, more reflective mode of engagement with the world, one that values the tactile experience of writing by hand. These notes connects me to the history of written expression, suggesting a literacy that spans both digital and physical realms.

A water bottle, sunscreen, lip balm, hand cream and some dried-fruit snacks point to my concern for health and the environment. These items reflect a culture increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability and self-care. They tell a story of a person who is conscious of her impact on the planet and who values personal well-being.

I often also carry an iPad with me. Other than using it as a portable device to access the internet, YouTube, digital games, I often use it as an eBook on public transit. The iPad indicates my love for reading and my appreciation for literature. This item is a testament to my engagement with narrative and imagination. It keeps me company during commutes or breaks, where I can immerse myself in different worlds and perspectives.

Lastly, a pair of airPods suggests a life filled with music, podcasts, and audiobooks. They are a text technology that provides a soundtrack to my day, and the ability to consume information and entertainment on the go. This item reflects a modern, multitasking culture, where audio content is as significant as visual or written forms.

The contents of my bag are a narrative in themselves, revealing the multiple literacies I possess and the different ways I engage with language and communication. They paint a picture of a person who navigates the digital and physical worlds with ease, who values both modern technology and traditional forms of expression, and who is conscious of her health and environmental footprint. I would say this is a pretty accurate portrayal of the projected outward image of myself.

Comparing this bag to one from 15 or 25 years ago, there would be notable differences. My bag might have contained a cell phone that flips (I thought that was the coolest thing back then), a physical map (our family always carried a map BOOK), more cash and coins, a planner notebook, and likely a printed book. The changes reflect the technological advancements and cultural shifts over the years, as we move towards digitization and a more convenient lifestyle.

An archeologist discovering this bag centuries from now might see it as a snapshot of early 21st-century life. They would note the blend of digital and analog tools and the ways individuals balanced connectivity with personal well-being. The iPhone, in particular, might be viewed as a symbol of the era, representing the convergence of multiple technologies and its key role in digital communication.

In conclusion, this task made me realize the items in my bag are more than just daily necessities. They are texts that tell a story about who I am, the culture I am part of, and the ways I interact with the world. They reveal my literacies, my values, and the interconnected nature of contemporary life.