The Importance of Coffee

By Aaron Harder

Pic 1If you don’t drink coffee right now, that’s awesome. However, that will probably change by the time you graduate from college. During my first two years of college, I did not partake in the consumption of this wonderful drink. But by my junior year, I had developed a lovely habit of drinking coffee. So why should you care about whether or not you drink coffee…well, the truth is you shouldn’t.

I love coffee – not just because of the taste, but also because it is something that reminds me to slow down and rest. The times I love to drink coffee are not necessarily the times when I need caffeine. I love to drink coffee during my quiet time, when hanging out with friends and while with my family on holiday or vacation.

Pic 2

For me coffee is a reminder to forget the stress of life and to enjoy the moment. In college, both the past and future are constantly on students’ minds. We tend to dwell in the past when reflecting on previous mistakes or life experiences. Plus, college students always tell funny stories of things they did freshman year or crazy moments in high school. At the same time, everyone is always asking your about your future plans after graduation. You only spend roughly four years at college, so thinking about what comes after is somewhat natural. So trying to be present while in college can be difficult.

So for me, relaxing and drinking a cup of good coffee helps me slow down and enjoy where I’m at in life. It is a way for me to be present in life, not focused on the past or future. It is similar to how God designed the Sabbath – work, work, work, then rest and refocus on the present and on God.

Therefore, “coffee” is actually incredibly important in college. Not only is it delicious and stimulating, but having time for “coffee” is really about being present in a world that blurs by at times. Whether or not you drink coffee, find your way to spend time being present and content in the moment. If not, college life will pass before you ever enjoy it.

Pic 3

1 cup, 2 cups, 3 cups…

By Patara Williams

It was a tragic occurrence:

I was standing in a massive line to get the antidote when I began to see faces ahead of me become flustered with fear…”We’re all out!” Fear rushed through the crowd, voices were raised and eyes became glazed…“I’ll never make it!!” I heard one student say. I dropped my head and sulked away.

Espresso: the remedy to a late night and a long week; to put it more aptly, the cure to exams.

Three years ago, I could walk past Starbucks and not be tempted to get a fix. Today, it seems difficult to make it through a day without it. Lucky for me, Baylor has two Starbucks on the campus, and Common Grounds is only a short walk away…convenience!!!

So, you’re not a fan of coffee, eh? Welp! Say goodbye to those days!

On the other hand, you may never consume a drop of coffee while you’re in college, but then you’d be an outlier…a very rare occurrence. By the same token, you may become a café connoisseur and be able to recognize every single blend with a slight whiff.

Coffee helps me stay focused in the midst of studying and during in class lectures, but there are so many ways to stay alert during class and while studying:

  • Chew gum or mints
  • Nom on pretzels (a little loud and distracting) or gummies
  • Get adequate sleep
  • Participate by engaging with the professor/class (not talking to your neighbor)
  • Shift positions or stand for a bit
  • Keep a healthy exercise regimen

Find your thing, and do it early, because I guarantee you that you’ll have those dozing days! But, the best part of waking up…

Sic ‘Em Coffee!

Sic ‘Em Coffee Shops!

By Torie Abbott

Baylor students, just like college students everywhere, love caffeine more than just about anything. Lucky for us, Waco has produced a significant number of top-notch coffee shops in recent years, making sure to keep Baylor students awake…and caffeinated.

Pic 1

Dichotomy – Dichotomy is the new kid on the block. It is hip, it is trendy and it is downtown. Of all the coffee shops in town, it definitely has a posh feel to it. It is a great place to go if you want to get off campus. The coffee is impeccable as well as the treats that they keep.

Common Grounds – it is a Baylor classic! My college career would not be the same without Common Grounds; the thought of it gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling. From the Grade-A concerts and the eclectic feel of the furniture in the backyard, to the trip during Line Camp and its prime location in relation to Collins, Common Grounds has become ingrained in Baylor student life. Also, get the Cowboy Coffee…you won’t regret it.

Pic 2

Starbucks – times two! You know you are on a college campus when one Starbucks just isn’t enough. This school year, Baylor added a seconds Starbucks to campus. The original one lives in Moody Library, and the new additional Starbucks is in the BSB or Baylor Sciences Building. So, whether your Pre-Med classes have you locked up in the BSB or you are studying for finals in the library, a Starbucks Venti iced coffee is not far away.

As you can see, coffee runs in the veins of a lot of students. And luckily for you, if you are one of those students, you have an endless supply of your caffeine beverage of choice!

Coffee Break

By Laura Beth Moore

Coffee

I don’t know about you, but I love holding a warm, soothing cup of coffee. I used to make fun of my sister’s obsession with coffee. However, I must admit there’s something special about the rich taste and variety of flavors offered to coffee lovers. In the morning, you might want a rich, hardcore flavor to wake you up, but there are other times when you might prefer a little extra sweet sauce. If you are a coffee fan, I’d love to introduce you to a few of Baylor’s on-campus coffee locations.

  1. Starbucks – Winner of the most popular award for its convenient location at the front of Moody Library. Just last night I walked into “Club Moody” – as commonly called by students – and couldn’t help but notice that Starbucks cups seemed to be a common accessory among students. With at least two hours worth of reading to finish, I decided to pick up my own study aid for the night by ordering a tall Café Mocha. Now with my cup in hand, I confidently walked to a study nook ready to take on my psychology and history readings.
  2. Atrium Café – For pre-med and science majors, this will mostly likely be your first stop for coffee with its location in the Baylor Science Building. The café offers a variety of drinks from café mochas, chai lattes and more.
  3. Einstein Bros Bagels- When I have classes in the center of campus, I’ll usually pick up some coffee at Einstein’s Bros Bagels located in the Student Union Building. Einstein’s offers a variety of at least four regularly brewed coffee flavors along with Caramel Macchiatos, Americanos and more. It’s a great place to mix and mingle with friends in-between classes.
  4. Bobo Spiritual Life Center – One of the best-kept secrets at Baylor. The Bobo Spiritual Life Center actually offers free coffee for students every day. However, let me warn you; I’ve tried going in the afternoon, and it’s usually already out. After you grab a cup of free coffee, you can kick back and relax in the living room style study area for students.

If you find yourself in need of a little energy boost before hitting the books, be sure to check out these four on-campus options.