Thank God,  Graduation, I made it!

For some determined people college is only a stopping point, like Baker, Calif., on the way to the glittering Las Vegas destination of the future.

After 10 long years, college has become an easy thing to fall back on.

"At least I'm still going to school," I would always say. And despite my lengthy stay in Baker, Las Vegas is not far off.

Meanwhile, a hated college job stocking shelves is no longer a favorite crutch and a career and marriage are on my list of things to do.

I cry when I think of leaving the comfort of creating a future instead of living it. The memories burn in my chest with agony for past exploits and missed opportunities. My stomach aches like tears about to come.

As many times as I sleep in my Nissan Sentra, it will never be enjoyed as much as reclining in the driver's seat after a long day of work with 15 minutes to spare before class. But undoubtedly, in a wretchedly uncomfortable chair, the nap will continue.

I will miss the inherent routine of time mismanaged, too many classes and no time for homework. I can't wait to have only one job and please let it never again be managing editor of the Daily Forty-Niner.

I may never again smile and groan at not remembering six hours of the night before. Hopefully, I will never need to be carried by my far too forgiving friends to my car only to puke.

These are not the memories I have paid for. These are the surprising memories whose recollections hurt the most.

So what will I tell people who ask about school? Do I look at them proud of my choices, waiting for the condescension of "Now you have to find a job"?

All I can say is that "It's over."

Sharon Christensen is managing editor for the Daily Forty-Niner.