Brands like Celsius and Red Bull dominate the energy drink scene at CdM, each with its own devoted following. Some students chase the newest flavor drop, while others stick to the classics that promise a quick boost before practice or a tough morning.
Noelani Davidson, a freshman at CdM, gave her insight on how energy drinks are helpful to her. She started by saying how she was influenced by “My friends and family”, and why she drinks them, “I like them because they give me energy. I drink them to get energized for sports and like when I’m really tired at school.” For Davidson, energy drinks, “They give me energy, while also giving me the caffeine shakes sometimes,”. Davidson included “my intake of them went down, so now I’d say two a week at most. But my intake used to be every day.” She usually likes to go for an Arctic Vibe Celsius on a weekend when she’s getting ready to perform her best on the field.
Ben Hacker, another freshman at CdM, provided his thoughts on energy drinks. Unlike Davidson, Hacker said he didn’t have any influence, “I made my addiction on my own.” Hacker, for him, says energy drinks make him feel “like I’m a lot more ready, a lot more awake and ready to do things when I have an energy drink,” and included “I think I drink more on school days than weekends.” Hacker says he relies on them, adding, “I have a horrible sleep schedule, so when I wake up, I’m always tired, and I need to wake up, I’ll drink one.” When asked about his intake on average, he responded, “I’d say at least one 12-ounce Red Bull a day, but some days more than one.” For Hacker, energy drinks are simply his source of caffeine. When asked how he’d feel without his energy drinks, he quickly responded with, “I wouldn’t be dead. I’d just sort of be a little more down, tired, more deflated,” and later added, “I wouldn’t say it’s an addiction, and I could let go.. But then I still do need caffeine or coffee, just something to wake me up.” Hacker, on a normal day, reaches for a simple original Red Bull, preferably the 12-ounce.
After hearing from students, one thing is clear: energy drinks have become more than just a caffeine boost — they’re part of daily life. Whether it’s for focus before a test or flavor after school, everyone has their reason. Maybe the craze isn’t just about energy at all, but about finding little ways to keep up in a world that never slows down.
