In a nonstop world of high school where assignments pile up, where schedules stay packed and stress is just part of the daily routine, it’s easy to overlook something as simple as a cup of tea. But that’s exactly why tea matters. In a culture that pushes us to do more and go faster, tea asks us to slow down, breathe and pay attention. And we could all use more of that.
I don’t think twice about having an energy drink when I’m tired. Caffeine fuels late-night study sessions and early-morning classes. But tea offers something different. It’s not just a drink, it’s an experience. Making tea isn’t instant: You boil the water, steep the leaves or bag and wait. Those few extra minutes can feel like forever when you’re busy, but the time it takes is part of the point. Tea forces us to be present, even if just for a moment.
Across the world, tea has always been about more than just hydration. In Chinese culture, tea ceremonies are acts of respect and connection, passed down through generations. In Morocco, mint tea is a symbol of hospitality. In the UK, offering someone a cup of tea is almost a reflex whether to celebrate good news or comfort someone after a tough day. In every case, tea brings people together. It creates a space for conversation, reflection, or simply being together in silence. In a highschool and work setting, where everyone is constantly moving, that kind of connection is rare—but important.
Even here, tea has its place. Think about bubble tea runs with friends after school or chai tea in the mornings before school. Ripley Huffman, a freshman at CHS, shared her journey with bubble tea. Initially disliking it at age seven, she has now grown to love it.
“I absolutely hated it. I was like ‘this is booty cheeks’, and now it's my favorite drink. I've had more than 200 bobas in my lifetime.” Huffman said. “I go all over the place downtown, because there's like, a billion places. I usually go with all of my friends.”
These aren’t just random moments, they’re small rituals that give us a sense of stability and comfort. When life feels overwhelming, having a cup of tea can feel like a tiny act of control.
Of course, tea isn’t just about emotions. It has physical benefits too. Green tea can help with focus and memory, which is great during finals season. Herbal teas like chamomile or lavender can ease anxiety or help you sleep. Ginger tea is great for an upset stomach and rooibos is packed with antioxidants. Unlike popular sugary or overly caffeinated drinks, tea can actually help your body relax while keeping your mind clear.
Maybe the most important thing about tea is how it reminds me to be intentional. We don’t always get to choose our pace–deadlines, practices, and tests often dictate our schedules. Tea is a small way to push back against that. It invites us to take a breath. To focus. To connect. To care for ourselves and others.
So no, tea might not be flashy. It might not come with a fancy label, lots of marketing, or a ton of sugar. But that’s kind of the point. Tea is steady and grounding, which is everything we need and more. In a world that constantly tells us to go faster, maybe it’s time we start listening to what tea has to offer.
