IT’S 6:00 a.m. and you get ready for school, but by the time you’re done, it’s too late for breakfast. Now you’re stuck in class chewing flavorless gum while your empty stomach begins to rumble.

We’ve all been here, too shy to ask anyone if they have something to eat — knowing you should have brought something for yourself. So, you sit in the silent class as your stomach growls louder and louder each time. Reminiscing on that you did not get up early like you should have. It’s like a never-ending cycle.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, they say. Skipping it could affect your focus and energy levels. Which is why it is important to have something in your system. Some people can take their time eating because they have home release but not everyone does.

Although I understand not many students like eating in the morning it’s still important to eat a little something. I know some students who don’t wake up hungry or don’t feel the need to eat, but sometimes a little snack helps for later in the day.

Luckily, some teachers have snacks that are meant purposely for students who have missed breakfast or any other reasons. I have a couple of teachers who have snacks in their classrooms, and I think they are lifesavers! Although I understand that there is free breakfast in the cafeteria every morning, not everyone qualifies for it. Or they do but arrive much too late to get the chance to enjoy it.

Anyway, many teachers like to provide these snacks for many reasons. Some teachers know that students can’t focus on anything when they have an empty stomach, all the student thinks about is when class will end so they can finally go out and eat – or do whatever it is that they do. They need students to focus and learn so they give them snacks to help. Another reason is because there just might not be anything at home.

Although it isn’t any teacher’s responsibility to worry if students eat or not, it is nice to be able to know that you have a teacher who could provide a snack. Even though not all teachers do this, I appreciate them. Teachers are here to help you learn and build an education; snacks are just a simple gesture that only a couple of teachers do that I’m grateful for.

Besides that, eating something in the morning is very important because it provides your body the fuel it needs to start the day off right. When you eat breakfast, you’re giving your body the energy and nutrients it needs for your daily activities. It also helps boost concentration and overall contributes to a positive day.

So, whether it’s a full meal or a snack, make sure to have something in your system so that you can have energy throughout your day!