The minute the shrieking, loud sound of the alarm goes off, I sense a feeling of dread. Don’t we all? All I want to do is cuddle up into the warmth of my pillow and sink into the depths of my comforter. But then I look up and see it. My favorite yellow coffee mug with the chip on the side. My eyes start to sparkle.

There is nothing quite as sweet or mouthwatering as my daily morning cup of black coffee. Crisp, warm and flowing through my blood, waking me up.

It doesn’t matter if it is 6 a.m. or 6 p.m., this dear friend of mine never lets me down. Who could have guessed that a bean soaked in water could transform a day from mediocre to wonderful in a matter of minutes? I will never turn down a cup of joe — whether it be in latte form, cappuccino form, espresso, straight up or iced.

Coffee is my partner in crime, my close friend, and my pick-me-up. A friend that never lies, cheats or lets me down. A partner in crime that gives me motivation and energy. A pick-me-up that takes my day from a solid 2 to a solid 11.

Also, as a poor, stressed, over-scheduled college student, coffee is cheap and keeps me up when I have homework that will bleed into hours of my life where I should actually be sleeping.

Not only does it give me energy but relaxes me at the same time. It is cultured, conversational and not to mention smells amazing. There is no smell I love more than the smell of brewed coffee in the morning. Anyone know where I can get coffee-scented perfume? A little much? Yeah, OK.

And don’t get me wrong, I know some people don’t like coffee. But, come on, give it a chance. I promise you, it will change your life.

Bored in class? Grab a coffee.

Tired? Grab a coffee?

Happy? Grab a coffee.

Sad? Grab a coffee.

Any emotion at all? Grab a coffee.

All in all, to my closest friend and the one who never lets me down, coffee, thank you. From a 21-year-old running on 5 hours of sleep, I appreciate you dearly.