It’s the moment right after you hear your alarm go off and right before you open your eyes. The first image your mind flashes on is a warm cup of magic. This is what gets you up in the morning motivated and ready for your day.

Coffee: magical is one way to describe it. However, it can also be referred to as a lifesaver.

It wasn't until my sophomore year of high school that I even tasted coffee. Before then I’d thought of coffee the same way I’d thought of cigarettes: addicting, and just another substance that would turn my teeth yellow. I had always seen coffee as a substance that corrupted the minds of those who weren’t disciplined enough to get the adequate amount of sleep, or for those who decided they wanted to bounce off the walls in order to raise their productivity level. I didn’t even like the taste of coffee — because let’s be honest, without a mountain-sized pile of sugar, coffee really doesn’t have an appealing taste. Also, I didn’t see the need to increase my activity level because I was a teenager who spent all her free time sleeping. So how could I possibly be too tired to function properly? If I walked into a Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts, why would I pay for something that didn’t taste half as good as a hot chocolate? These were the questions that ran though my mind when I walked past someone carrying a coffee cup. Yet, I will not deny that there was something “cool” about carrying a Starbucks brand coffee around. I often would envy those who always walked around with a hot or iced coffee in their hand. So, until my junior year, I would copy that “cool” look by carrying around tea or hot chocolate.

This, however, was 15-year-old Rachel’s opinion on coffee. I remember when it all changed, it really was a magical moment.

It was a brisk New Jersey fall day in October. My four friends and I had just spent the afternoon picking apples and pumpkins, my absolute favorite fall activity, and we weren’t ready to depart from each other. So we decided to walk to the Starbucks down the road from the farm. All my friends were ordering this drink call the "Pumpkin Spice Latte." I’d never heard of it, and honestly the thought of pumpkin in coffee repulsed me. So I got the five of us a table rather than waiting in line with the girls. Then they all walked over with their coffees, looking pretty cool I must admit. One of the girls, Jessica, had two drinks in her hand, and she gave one to me.

“What is in this?” I asked.

They wouldn’t tell me. “Just drink it, Rachel.”

Why not, I thought. Everyone else likes coffee, maybe it’s worth another try. So I took a sip of the substance inside of the white portable coffee mug.

At that moment I understood the hype, because whatever absurd amount of sugar they diluted this drink with, it tasted like heaven in my mouth. I loved it, and I didn’t even know what it was — although after a few more sips I knew they’d slipped me a famous Pumpkin Spice Latte. I was so wrong; it was delicious. The way the coffee warmed up my body and made my taste buds smile, made me smile; it was a chain reaction.

Now I am 18-going-on-19 and a new college student who’s had a cup of coffee everyday since I’ve gotten here. But why? How did one Pumpkin Spice Latte lead me to become a coffee addict?

Well, as new 16-year-old, it started off really slow, as all addictions do. Maybe once a month I would walk into Starbucks and order the “flavor of the month.” It was thrilling to find out what delicious drink each season would bring. I loved the constant change and excitement — shout-out to Starbucks for having great marketing strategies and keeping this girl buying at least one coffee a month! Suddenly I turned 17 and got my license, and that’s when the addiction picked up, rapidly. I not only loved Starbucks coffee, but I also became a coffee shop junkie, loving the atmosphere and smell. Once I found out that my productivity level was the highest outside the house, I started going at 4:00 pm daily to do about two hours worth of homework. At first, I wouldn’t order something each time. However, I began to realize that coffee really did make me more productive; it kept me awake and alert, something that all high schoolers need if they want to make the grade. Slowly, my daily trips to Starbucks to do my homework began to add up — literally. However, I really thought it was worth it. My grades were better and my taste buds were happier during my time at Starbucks. To me, it was worth every penny...or five dollars.

So where am I now?

Let’s just say I can’t financially support my coffee addiction, but that won’t stop me! Thankfully, the college I attend has free — yes I said free — coffee in the dinning halls. I drink coffee every morning, afternoon and night, and I love every second of it. It not only keeps me awake but it keeps me happy, calm, cool and collected. I’ve also learned every possible way of reducing the cost of a cup of coffee. The truth is, even black coffee makes me happy. The warm of the coffee keeps me feeling grounded, whatever that means. A cup of black coffee is about three dollars cheaper than one of those fancy lattes or drinks, and the trick to black coffee is just adding your own mountain of sugar to it! It really reduces the costs while keeping your coffee craving and taste buds giddy with coffee glee.

I believe in the power of coffee. I think it’s a perfect blend of caffeine and sugar that will dance around your taste buds, wake you up, and keep you feeling alive. If you’ve never had a cup of coffee, or a Pumpkin Spice Latte form Starbucks, I highly suggest that you dive right in and try your first cup of coffee.