I remember the days when the hardest obstacle in life was graduating from high school. Looking back on it now, I wished I hadn't wanted it to be over so soon. Only one year has passed since my move from high school to the real world, but I have learned a lot of harsh realities of life after the K through 12 years. I have also learned a few things not so disappointing, which probably won't make this list, but are just as important. In homage to the days of The Collar, I give you another top ten list: Ten things I've learned since graduating high school.

10. There's a big difference between small town Altus and big city San Antonio. Like, every person that comes in Wal-Mart won't be connected to you in ten people or less.

9. You get a chance to start over. The person you were in high school doesn't have to be the person you are in college. Unless you're going to college with a bunch of people you knew in high school- then you might not be able to have a successful change of character.

8. Making friends is slightly more difficult. Or maybe it's just me. I still work and go school, but only have a handful of people I would hang out with, if I ever do hang out with them.

7. Working part-time at Wal-Mart and being financially sound is a myth. I know some people could live off of less than $400 every two weeks, but I'm also sure those people don't play video games or have very good hygiene.

6. Distance is your worst enemy. Yeah, I still talk to some of my friends from school, but physically seeing them is a little impossible with our different schedules.

5. Altus, Oklahoma, is the worst place to grow up when you aren't as straight as a line. I'm open to trying new things, but still have this fear of being alienated by people who might not even remember me. Talk about your psychological issues.

4. Getting a date seems impossible when you work, go to college and play black sheep, and stay at home. I don't know how I pulled it off in high school, but that luck went away the moment I got my diploma.

3. The world revolves around money and money is what's destroying this world. Cave men didn't use money and they made it through just fine, so why do we need it so badly?

2. If my words could cure cancer and save people, I'd be a miracle worker. Unfortunately, I'm no closer at finding the cure to cancer than those scientists are.

1. Life doesn't wait for you to get on the ride. If you're not ready you get on anyway, or get left behind.