I’ve always avoided energy drinks, fearing I’d get hooked on them. Now, I think I might be in love with Rainier Valley Coffee’s Sunrise energy drink.

It all began with A-Days that called for energy that my usual caramel americano couldn’t provide. Running on nothing but a few hours of sleep and a breakfast muffin, it’s an impossible feat to stay awake during calculus. So, one day, I scanned the RVC menu during lunch for an energy drink that didn’t seem too intimidating, and my eyes landed on the Sunrise—a white peach, guava, and passion fruit masterpiece and my current everyday drink order.

Now, every time that oh-so-glorious 11:10 a.m. lunch bell rings, I’m speeding off to RVC by 11:20. Pulling up to the window like clockwork, I am immediately recognized by the employees day after day, and we discuss one another’s days as they make my Sunrise. Simply chatting with the baristas is the highlight of most of my days. 

Then, by the time 11:30 rolls around, I’m thanking the employees with a smile and zooming back to Liberty with my newly acquired Sunrise. Heading to classes with my caffeine fix is truly a treat. Yet, what I’ve come to appreciate the most is walking into choir and bonding with other Liberty Singers who brought their Sunrises to class. It’s small, but it’s a Liberty community I’m grateful for nonetheless.

So thank you, RVC, for keeping me awake and helping me find a community among my fellow sleep-deprived students. I may never be able to wake up for a real sunrise, but your Sunrise will always be a highlight of my day.