Neat thread.

5 years ago I was in high school, living under my parent's roof and had very few responsibilites. I thought money grew on trees and I was a royal pain in the butt. I got to do what I wanted when I wanted and had little respect for my family.

Now I'm a Junior in college, have experienced the "real world", have worked to keep food in my cupboards and no longer rely so heavily on my parents. As a result I've created a MUCH better relationship with them and the rest of my family. I have the most amazing boyfriend I could have ever asked for, think I know where I want to go with my life and can't wait to finish school and start living.

So, yes, I feel I am MUCH better off now than five years ago and I hope the future five will only get better.