Sachi Singh

In the bustling cafeteria of JP Stevens, mornings are characterized by the long and often tedious lines at the breakfast stations, where students eagerly wait to get their hands on some unappetizing coffee. However, it seems worth the wait when they can finally clutch the mediocre cup of coffee, complimentary to the free breakfast provided. While nearly a quarter of the school relies on this questionable caffeine fix, most choose to discard their daily boiled egg and pancake offering into the blue bag near the back of the room. What is the reason behind this abstract morning routine? The answer is simple—fuel. Students, rambunctious as they may be, need to source this energy from somewhere. The unsung hero of our lives, coffee, allows for students to tackle the challenges of their school day through artificially powering up. This unremarkable hot liquid is the root of productivity for a sizable portion of our school, so let’s dive deeper into what it actually is.  

Caffeine, a compound typically found in coffee and energy drinks, can significantly enhance mental alertness and focus, making it a popular choice among students. Research shows that caffeine can improve concentration, boost memory, and increase overall cognitive performance; these elements are crucial for surviving a demanding school day. At JP Stevens, where many students prefer coffee over breakfast, this caffeinated boost may be more than just a mindless trend. 

Having a heavy breakfast at the start of your day will make you groggy and might even cause you to fall asleep in your period one math class. Whereas coffee or energy drinks, beverages including caffeine, could represent a choice to elevate a students academic performance by jump starting their brain. This kickstart could help them work through challenging math tests and performing complex literary analysis on the spot with increased clarity and energy. Regardless of the huge advantage it appears to be, it is important to realize that drinks with caffeine are not a replacement for breakfast, since it does not provide the same nutrients as a healthy breakfast. It is key to ensure that everything is balanced. 

Caffeine isn’t a cure all for students. While it may offer valuable benefits, overconsumption can lead to a downward spiral of negative effects. Students at JP Stevens may find themselves caught in a cycle of reliance. The cycle of reliance for caffeine is similar to an addiction to drugs, although not as severe. Excessive caffeine intake can result in increased anxiety, disrupted sleep patterns, and even decreased cognitive performance. The jittery side effects and energy crashes that often follow a caffeine overload can leave students feeling more fatigued and less focused. This effect is counterproductive to their academic goals. Moreover, the tendency to prioritize caffeine over balanced breakfasts, a choice which seems to already be the norm, can deprive them of essential nutrients needed for optimal brain function. Artificially boosting your brain is one thing, but taking in large amounts of caffeine without even having a healthy breakfast to offset it is a recipe for disaster. As many choose to grab another cup instead of a nutritious meal, they may inadvertently undermine their efforts to stay sharp and alert throughout the school day. Balancing caffeine with healthy habits, such as a nutritious breakfast, is key.

Ultimately, the morning routine at JP Stevens reflects a broader trend among students seeking quick boosts of energy and focus through caffeine. While the caffeine found in coffee or popular energy drinks can enhance alertness and support academic performance, it’s essential to maintain a balance with healthy meals as well. Prioritizing nutrition alongside caffeine consumption can help students increase their performance without having to deal with the pitfalls of overreliance. By making mindful choices, they can harness the benefits of coffee while maintaining their overall well-being.