I have been heavily fueling my body and mind with caffeine-filled, warmth-inducing drinks for the last week to push myself through my final exams and submissions. And then I had a thought.
Every time I have a cup of Starbucks chai I am transported to winter time and Christmas and general post-finals thoughts of being home with family and friends. Even if it's June. The mixture of spices and cozy feelings make getting through the hardest parts of my day just that much easier.
So I present to you...winter spices as college students during finals week. Or, how holiday drinks altered my studying experience in the course of just one week.
1. Cinnamon
They're spicy. JK.
Honestly, much like this spice, these are the students that throw themselves into their finals and never lie about how they're doing. They work well and hard, deliver everything they’ve promised, and have a kick-ass party to celebrate afterward.
2. Nutmeg
They’re damn tired by the time the Sunday before finals week rolls around. Just like sleep-inducing nutmeg, they’re the kids you’re stepping over in the library because they fell off the couch while "resting" and haven't stopped snoring for the last hour.
Poor souls. Nap in peace.
3. Hazelnut
Just like this sneaky little syrup, these students think everything is going just fine. They’re seduced by detailed study guides and promises of a relatively simple exam, maybe one they can relax about.
SUDDENLY, you realize that’s never the case and you can never underestimate a final and nothing is never that easy and oh why did you think studying by osmosis was gonna work if it hasn’t worked for the last three years??????
Basically, it’s a major disappointment and you’ve let yourself down by choosing this path.
4. Pumpkin Spice
The spice mix is made up of a bunch of other spices and there isn’t a real definition of what makes something pumpkin spice. Really, there’s no pumpkin involved. It’s just...called that.
Similarly, these college kiddos are in serious denial. I know that watching an episode of Riverdale for “a break” could be healthy. But not when it becomes binging the entire first season the day before your final. Hope you (we) get our shit together.
5. Ginger
Not one of the most legendary pop stars of all time. Just the spiciest dang thing ever invented that clears up any cold you might have before you even get one.
They’re incredibly confident in their work cause they finished all their submissions a month ago, and started studying before classes began. Just like their hair-counterpart, this college student is a rare breed.
Hope you had a bit of a giggle and enjoy your winter break. Happy holidays!