“Starbucks at 5?”

Through a simple three-word text, we already know how our night will end.

Despite the challenges we’ve faced throughout high school, there’s one place that has remained constant: our local Starbucks. After hours of sitting around what we’ve deemed “our table,” Starbucks has become a safe space to “espresso” ourselves.

In the last four years, we’ve conquered Starbucks’ extensive menu, but even after trial and error and diving into the “secret menu,” we have yet to establish our signature orders. From pumpkin chais during autumn to matcha tea lattes (with oat milk, of course) during the summer, Starbucks encourages us to test different variations of our favorite drinks and try something new once in a while. Fortunately, the baristas always accommodate our customizations with a smile and occasionally surprise us with complimentary cake pops.

From studying during dead week to brainstorming story ideas for The Arcadia Quill, the distinct Starbucks coffee smell that leaves with us is evidence of the late nights we’ve spent there. One memory that stands out was when we stayed until closing in preparation for our AP exams. Thanks to dim lighting and peaceful music, the comforting ambiance is the perfect place to focus without the distractions that are present at home. The tedious task of reviewing MCQ tests and researching past FRQ prompts somehow became fun; testing each other’s knowledge through flashcards and laughter-filled discussions allowed us to learn in an efficient and exciting way. Not only did we share a memory to look back on, but we also ended the night feeling accomplished with all of the work we got done.

Beyond serving as a comfortable environment for studying, Starbucks is where heartfelt conversations about our present and future lives transpire. Round table conversations about the pressure of applying to college, what living in New York City would be like, and our dream careers alleviate the stress in our lives. Although these therapeutic moments sometimes end in tears, talking about deeply personal topics bonds us together. It is these weekly debriefs about life that have gotten us through a turbulent return to in-person learning, a hectic junior year, and now, a severe case of senioritis.

After our study sessions and heart-to-hearts, we walk to opposite ends of the parking lot, drive home in our white Toyota cars, and know that we will always have Starbucks–and each other–whenever we have a lot on our plate, or simply need to vent(i).