11.19.08
Coffee and tea and java and me
posted by Emma Spaulding | 5 comments
Ask teenagers what their favorite part of the school day is, and a fair number of them will say lunch. For the most part, it isn’t because of the food being served. Lunch is the one time of the school day when students can enjoy the company of friends without being interrupted by irritated teachers. It’s also an important cramming time for those students who didn’t finish last night’s homework. But what I love most about my lunch is the chance to sit down and enjoy a cup of tea.
Tea gives me an opportunity to relax, and process everything I’ve learned throughout the day. I’m sure most of you would agree.
However, among teenagers, this passion isn’t shared. Many of us stay up late to finish homework and spend the entire week on a mild caffeine buzz, trying to stay awake.
I remember when Rock Stars first became popular—the main recommendation for them seemed to be their ability to keep students awake when pulling all nighters. Now, they have somewhat faded in popularity among the teenage set, but most students still chug down the coffee and the soda pop, enjoying the caffeine in whatever form it comes.
Most of my friends choose coffee as their warm drink of choice. Occasionally they’ll dabble in tea—usually with bags. While they may enjoy tea, they aren’t likely to become addicts. Tea simply doesn’t pack the same punch.
Personally, I know I don’t represent the average teenager. For one thing, I’ve never warmed to coffee and I drink it black when I have to. (I once had a friend quip that if it took more than two words to describe how you liked your coffee, you weren’t really drinking it.)
When I sit down at lunch to a cup of tea, I feel calmer, more capable of rational thought and intelligent conversation. I do think my choice is the healthier one.
If only I could get rid of that sweet tooth!
November 19th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Coffee and Teenagers. HeeHee.
Like many other cool things, it was my teenage daughter who brought “Rock Stars” into our life. Had to have it. All the time. Like sushi, but not as gross.
Then, BOOM - gone. Done with it! Super Vente Chai Pumpkin Latte - “MOM, that is SO YESTERDAY!”
Now she collects tea pots…
November 19th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Welcome Emma. It’s a pleasure to have you join our team at T Ching.
I agree with your observations. The question of the day is - How do we turn the teen world onto tea? The health benefits of this ancient brew have the potential to impact the health of each and every regular drinker. Your generation is the first in our history to have a very disturbing life expectancy -you will not live longer than your parents.
I think it’s important to realize that your generation has the potential to change that grim projected statistic. If you move away from the daily consumption of high sugar beverages and live a healthy lifestyle (good food and exercise), your generation can live longer and healthier than your parents generation. The choice is yours. I believe that tea can play an important role in this shift. I look forward to hearing what your peers around the country and the world think about this.
November 19th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Thanks for leading the charge with the teenage sect, Emma. Don’t be too impatient. With a little care and education, you just might be able to make some in-roads with your classmates. It appears that you have made a start to even get them to drink it occasionally. Keep up the good work.
As far as the sweet tooth - good luck. I’ve been struggling with that for at least 3 of your lifetimes.
Welcome to the T Ching family. We are all extremely pleased to have you as part of the team.
November 20th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
“if it took more than two words to describe how you liked your coffee, you weren’t really drinking it.” That’s hilarious; I love it!
I feel similarly about food labels…if I can’t pronounce an ingredient or if it has too many syllables, it doesn’t belong in my body. Also, if something has more than a handful of ingredients, I’d rather not eat it. Too much processing & too many additives destroy the quality of food & tea alike.
Well anyhoo, welcome onboard! I’m new myself, and I thought I was the youngest one on here, so I’m glad to see you here as well.
December 26th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
I love the word ‘cozy’ and nothing says cozy like Emma with a good book and her cup of tea. Way to go Emma! It seems like you know how to take care of yourself. But why deny your sweet self those sweets? You have it going on Emma.
Uncle Sid