I admire the tea kettle: always up to its neck in hot water but still singing.

That's how I often feel in my busy college life; stressed out but smiling. Let me begin by saying that I am a self-proclaimed tea snob. No tea is too strong or too spiced for my liking.

I've had many love affairs in my life, all beginning with a tea kettle whistling on the stove and ending with a burnt tongue because I got excited and sipped too soon. However, these affairs are often rudely interrupted by class, homework deadlines and life obligations.

Tea is a delicate and often taken-for-granted indulgence. It is the best friend to crumpets, biscotti and a good book. Too often do people bolt to the nearest corporate coffee shop and buy an overpriced cardboard cup and teabag filled with fannings and dusts.

I find it very disappointing that nobody cherishes the tea leaf as much as I.

I've recently been taking an hour or so out of my day to simply sit. Yes, you read correctly: sit. Do college students even do that anymore?

During this time, I relax, reflect, and enjoy a cup of tea in the comforts of my room. It is my version of "high tea," if you will.

I cannot function in life unless my stomach tells me so. My mind will drift in class if I haven't eaten enough breakfast and I'll start to snooze while doing homework after I've had a large dinner.

After a cup of tea (Earl Grey, no sugar or milk, and not seeped for more than two minutes), my stomach tells my mind, "Wake up! Be eloquent and decisive! Show your true strength and intellect!"

It is entirely due to a dried piece of bush and some hot water that I have focus in life.

In some cases, I've learned more from observing the dried leaves and herbs in the bottom of an empty tea pot than I have from life experience. When tea seeps for too long, it can become bitter and dark. If not for long enough, its full potential is not reached. When shared with a friend, tea is even more satisfying.

If brewed properly, tea can teach you to be calm, hopeful and appreciative of the little things. Tea must be made with love and shared with friends.

So, busy college student, take a breather. Let a rainy day and a good book do you in. I'm always looking for good conversation and the quaint, white teapot that sits on my stove is always boiling enough hot water to share.