As a novice myself. I can tell you that most, if not all brokers don't let beginners trade Options.

Normally you need to reach Level 2 status before you can trade options or trade on margin.

I'd say you'd seriously be best served buying $2500 worth of Gold and putting it back under your bed
for another 10 years.

EDIT: After rereading that. I wasn't trying to be a jerk or mean. That's my honest opinion based on my limited knowledge of both his specific situation and the way the market really works.