The life and times of David Awalt the Great

So it's graduation season ... yep ... it's been almost exactly a year since I accepted Dan Reneau's congrats along with that much coveted diploma. So naturally I've been reflecting on my life since that fateful day and I feel like this past year has been slightly nuts.
I mean a lot has happened in my life since the beginning of last summer, which was slow and boring enough to make me think the year would follow suit. Then the restlessness set in and it felt like I just couldn't sit still anymore, so I ran away.
I ended up making my way to Austin, which is when things seemed to really hit the proverbial fan. Even though I had run away from it all, everything just seemed to catch right back up to me. Through a lot of hurt and frustration, some of which still exists today, some friendships were truly tested and the ones that had ever been worth anything withstood the trials. Others just faded into the drama and chaos surrounding my life. Friendships I had thought were solid enough turned out to not be what I thought, which actually turned out to be an eye-opener about the time and effort I had put into things so temporary. This opening led to a spectrum of emotions that I am still going through.
But Austin itself also gave me a little insight into what the real world was actually like outside the little bubble that is college and even the little town of Ruston. I loved my time there and don't regret anything about it because at the end of the day I can say I tried, and while it might not seem like much ... it really is something.
And everyday I feel like I'm learning more about people's priorities in the workplace and in everyday life. As I struggle to make end's meat over a job that I'm not that fond of, I can't help but feel bitter and taken advantage of. I am forced to focus on things I've never wanted to worry about, like not having health insurance and making sure I have enough saved to pay back my monthly student loan payments.
So here's my advice ... the real world is tough and don't underestimate it. But it's a necessary step for everyone to take, when they're ready. just be prepared to learn a lot about yourself and what's important to you. So to all my friends who've stuck with me and value what we have above the things that could have gotten in the way, I owe you all a high-five and a good-game. To the others ... have fun growing up.
With all of that being said I have no regrets and I'm still excited to see how this turns out. Life's an adventure and I'm just getting started. So I'll face the second star to the right and do my best to fly straight on till morning.