Some people believe in horoscopes. Other people believe tarot cards or fortune cookies can determine one’s future or personality. I believe in coffee. 

High school is typically seen as some of the most formative years of young people’s lives. During our four-year experience, we learn to balance academics, athletics, clubs, social lives, and even part-time jobs. With packed schedules, life starts to get more tiring. Pile on the added stress that many students experience from the pressure to get into a top college or university, and teens wind up exhausted. This is why coffee plays such an important role in the lives of young people, with nearly 15% of teens choosing shell out cash on a regular basis for caffeine-laden beverages.

As we work towards adulthood, coffee also serves as a coming-of-age ritual. Young children often cannot stand the bitterness of coffee, but as we head toward adulthood, coffee becomes the beverage of choice. Maybe it is because coffee is a universally binding force: through the streets of Rome, Istanbul, and Mexico City, piping hot and iced versions of the world’s most popular beverage can be found.  

Not only does coffee motivate many to get out of bed in the morning, but also diplomatic negotiations, scientific queries, and life-altering conversations have occurred over a cup of what some jokingly call “hot bean water”. 

No need to shade one for his or her love (or need) of a morning cup. Drinking coffee may even lead to living longer, studies suggest. 

One’s order from Starbucks, Dunkin’, or their own kitchen tells a lot about a person, too. Take coffee black? Probably a psychopath. A latte? Classy, if I do say so myself. Iced with flavored syrup? Most likely have 1,000 Instagram followers or more. With one of the nation’s longest-standing industries taking in $225 billion per year, it is safe to say that someone else probably enjoys your drink of choice, too. 

No matter how one takes his or her cup, or where it takes the day, let them drink up and be proud to be a member of one of the world’s largest clubs.