As dutiful Gen Zers, we carry our phones around everywhere—from the gym to the classroom, and let’s face it, even the bathroom. That tiny technological wonder that we often take for granted is in arm’s reach almost 24/7, whether it’s tucked in our pockets or sitting on the bed stand. It’s safe to say that our phones have almost become an extension of ourselves, and with it, our personalities. Whether you’re a naked phone person (I applaud your bravery), or a Casetify fanatic, or you swear by rugged cases, your phone case tells a story.

I initially chose my phone case because it was sitting in a drawer unused. I could have used it as a placeholder while browsing online for a new phone case—I’ve never been one for clear cases, as they quickly become yellow-brown cases. However, I stuck with this one because of the natural landscape. I spend my summers hiking in national and state parks and marvelling at the sublime views from mountain summits. My phone case acts as another wallpaper for me, reminding me of all these memories—from gazing at Yosemite’s iconic Half Dome to looking out the car window on Bear Mountain Bridge Road to appreciate the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley.

The origami crane and butterflies are new additions to my phone case. They’re actually made from gum wrappers, credit to Carol Yang, ‘25. Yang often showers her friends with origami creations made from scraps of material that would otherwise have been discarded. This may seem melodramatic, but I truly value these random acts of creativity and generosity that remind me of all the simple and unexpected joys peppered throughout life.

I’ve noticed that many of my classmates’ phone cases also contain pieces of their lives. Domenick Fedele’s, ‘25, is a perfect example. 

“It was my mom’s old phone, so I got her case too, but I kept it because it is understated but still fun and shiny,” said Fedele.

The hallmark of his phone case is the sticker of a dog in a shark costume, given to him by his brother. These connections to family make Fedele’s phone case brim with sentimental value.

But it’s not just family that holds value in students’ lives and estate on their phone cases. Julia Tobey, ‘26, has a simple case that’s spiced up by a bold sticker reading “why can’t we just print more money?” Valid question—for someone who hasn’t taken an economics class.

Tobey should know: she won this sticker after an AP Macroeconomics quiz. Her phone case is a conversation starter, piquing my interest as a small expression of humor and curiosity about the world. 

Bridging humor and practicality, Devin Carrig, ‘25, has a unique addition to her phone case: a chapstick holder. Graciously gifted by Emma Howard, ‘25, the chapstick holder has come in handy for Carrig.

“I always have my phone on me and I’m always losing my chapstick, so now I always know where my chapstick is and I don’t have to dig in my bag to find it,” said Carrig.

Other chapstick lovers might want to consider investing in a chapstick holder as well! Carrig’s phone case is adorned with a sticker from Pizzazzles, a piece of her life outside of school.

Our phone cases often do more than just protect our sacred devices—they hold elements of our personalities, our memories, and our daily lives. Whether it’s a gift from family or friends or a quirky sticker that sparks conversation, each case tells a unique story. They’re refreshing reminders of the many ways creativity and human connection can coexist with the digital world.