I would never consider myself an addict, except when it comes down to one thing: caffeine. However, they say admitting it is the first step, right? Growing up, I lived in a household where sugar was limited; caprisuns and sodas were traded for organic, sugar-free knockoffs, and food chains were a rare occurrence in my household. As my preteen years brought about my spurs of “independence,” I finally decided to indulge in my cravings.

My first Starbucks experience was disappointing to say the least. As a thirteen-year-old girl eagerly anticipating some over-hyped, sickeningly-sweet beverage, I was brought back down to reality as the coffee I ordered tasted bitter and strong. Despite that, as I matured through my teenage years, so did my taste palette. Now, I love coffee: the taste, the ability to customize it to one’s preferences, and most of all, the time spent making it in the mornings before classes start while jamming out to Stephen Sanchez (it’s quite therapeutic to say the least).

Not only is my love and dependency on coffee strong, but so is my addiction to bubble tea. Bubble tea is a common dessert drink that originated in Asia in which tea is usually consumed alongside tapioca pearls, also known as “boba” or “bubble.” It became a constant in my life; I would jet off to the boba store down the street once school ended many days a week, and eventually, my first job in high school was at a bubble tea chain right across from my school. Although I left the job (let’s just say, the management team was not my cup of tea), my love for bubble tea stayed with me.

While some may view this as a problem (i.e. my mom), I find happiness in my love for caffeine. It’s helped me foster lasting relationships with some of my current best friends, provided me a place to study and relax, and allowed me to meet new people (like the barista I became friends with because I went to her shop so often). Long story short, caffeine is not my personality, but it is a part of my identity that I hope to keep with me.