All-nighters are all right

I pulled an all-nighter for the first time last year while writing my junior research paper, and I dare say I pulled it rather badly. After consuming an energy drink, a pot of coffee, and a full two cups of the dreaded tea-coffee concoction (three tea bags brewed in a cup of strong coffee), I fainted. And fell. Hard. Right to the floor. It was a dramatic experience, and I still didn’t get my work done.

But sometimes a dedicated student with a bad tendency to procrastinate needs a little extra oomph, and a caffeine boost is his only hope. Forget cold water and 20-minute power naps. Energy drinks are too saccharine sweet, and that aforementioned tea-coffee might as well be tar. Coffee is the only thing that does the trick. A cup at 11, another at midnight, and two more at three will almost get me through ‘til six or so when I’m expected to rise and shine for another glorious day at school.

Since the Great Fainting Incident of ’08, I’ve learned how to more efficiently budget my time, or rather my coffee consumption. Unfortunately, my plan doesn’t involve going to bed at a decent hour. I still contend that all-nighters, no matter how unpleasant, are necessary sometimes. Thank you, Mr. Folgers. Sorry, Mom.

This column can be viewed in its original format in the Oct. 12 issue of the Current in Noblesville.