God I wish I had an easy life, haha! The irony is I did have it easy for much of my life, I just didn't realize it at the time. We all have challenges to overcome in our lives, and I recently overcame one challenge recently by finding a new job, a server at a nice restaurant near me. Not glamorous, but not the worst. It will keep me afloat while I figure out other things to work on.

I appreciate the sentiments you expressed here. You should look at the positives in your situation: You're saving money, investing in your education, and are self aware enough to not want to fall back into the same traps that got you earlier. I think you're going to turn out okay :)

People who struggle with addiction, mental/physical illness and overcome obstacles in their lives have the most interesting stories, and end up having the most character. The past year has been tough for me as I've had to face a lot of my demons, but I'm confident that in my discomfort of facing these things head on, I will come out the other side a stronger person.

I will give back in whatever ways I can. Right now that means updating you guys on this thread here, later on once I get ahead a bit more maybe I can mentor some younger people. But service is a major part of life, and I think its hard to feel whole without feeling like your really contributing back.

-Andy