Chromebook Stickers: Art Reimagined

By: Maddy Ehrlich

Peel, stick, done. The familiar sensation of peeling the back paper off of stickers, slowly positioning them onto the object, and finally patting the sticker down in a satisfactory manner, is a common endeavor so many people have partaken in. Gifts are layered in decorative stickers, house wall’s are oftentimes covered by children’s favorite sticker princesses or characters, and stickers can always be found in stores, their dedicated spot in Target, Walmart, and other stores, offering a safeguard that stickers are guaranteed to be a prevalent part of our world. More often than not, stickers are associated with childhood. Instead of imagining a teenager playing with stickers, when stickers are mentioned, the image of a child, maybe no older than five, struggling to unstick the sticker, often comes to mind. However, at Niskayuna High School, stickers can be found on almost every student's possession. For some high school students, they might just use a few stickers, while others have endless coverage of their school supplies in them. Chromebooks are one of the most used tools by Niskayuna students. And, the majority of these chromebooks have stickers. 

Chromebook stickers come in many different forms. For some students, these stickers are from different colleges; others have motivational messages; some simply have fun stickers of their favorite cartoon character or animal. So many different stickers, so many options. Although chromebooks are given to students by the school, they are “our” possession. For four years, these chromebooks embark on the journey of high school with students. With an overwhelmingly majority of work taking place online, chromebooks are the preferred method for homework to be completed. Through students covering their chromebooks in stickers, it is them reaffirming that the chromebook is theirs. It personalizes the chromebook, transforming it from a simple computer that is mandatory for school, into something that students themselves have control over and own. 

High school stress is a pressing issue not just in Niskayuna, but in all schools. The pressure to take hard classes, complete so many extracurriculars, and excel in everything often weighs on students’ mental health. Creativity is a way for students to release this built up stress. Although using stickers seems like a simple task, it is actually a way for students to express their thoughts, perspectives, ideas, and overall, be creative in a way they want. Choosing stickers that students like, and choosing how they want to organize them on their chromebooks, is an unexpected form of art. It not only brightens up the prior dull chromebook exterior, but can help students release their individualism. Additionally, by selecting stickers that have positive messages, it can be a reminder for students to stay positive. 

As school increasingly shifts to using technology and digitized means for schoolwork, it is still important to hold onto the tangible. Stickers can reconnect teengaers back to their childhood days, drawing a parallel between their old selves and who they are today. It is important that each student has a chance to be themselves, and unafraid to individualise their learning experience. Chromebook stickers offer this opportunity for students to participate in a rare, unique form of artistic expression. Just like each person is unique, each sticker is different. Chromebook stickers are a fun, innovative way for students to embrace who they are, and redecorate their school experience in a way that matters to them.