Leo stared at the navy-blue blazer hanging on his door like it was a suit of armour. Today was the first day at St. Jude’s, and the uniform—crisp white shirt, stiff tie, and trousers with a crease sharp enough to cut paper—felt like a costume.

In the first assembly, the principal spoke about how the uniform was a symbol of . But as Leo looked around, he realized it was actually a blank canvas. Without the distraction of high-end brands or flashy trends, he noticed the way people carried themselves—the confident stride of the debate captain, the quiet focus of the girl sketching in the back row, and the kindness in the eyes of the boy who held the door open for him.

: When uniforms are no longer needed, they can be transformed into keepsakes like patchwork cushions or tote bags to preserve memories.