Ten years ago I was a still a teenager just starting college. I identified myself by the school I attended, my G.P.A. and my major. As I faced the end of the decade we came to call the ‘00s, I stopped to reflect upon how much my life has changed in what seems like the blink of an eye.

Responsibilities:

Then: Hardly any. Homework and laundry were about it. More than I’d like to admit, I would just wait until break and have my mom wash my clothes.

Now: Work, finances, bills and being a role model to my nieces and nephew. Although, some things never change. I sent my laundry out for years!

Family:

Then: My sisters and I were single and living under one roof (when I wasn’t away at school) with our mom.

Now: I’ve gained two brothers-in-law, two nieces and nephew! We may not all still love together but our family has grown closer than ever.

Work:

Then: I was lucky to be a full-time student. I had no idea what I wanted to be where a degree in English was going to take me.

Now: I’ve experienced the highs and lows that come with entry level jobs, been through a lay off and bounced back as a writer and editor.

Social Life:

Then: Parties, parties and more parties. And burning CDs of music I downloaded off of Napster. Who needs sleep?

Now: I’m still really social, but my late nights are mostly reserved for weekends. Plus, I need to save time to play with the kids. A good tea party is great time!

Friends:

Then: Out of all of my married friends, only one was with their current spouse (one of my best friends married her high school sweetheart).

Now: My closest friends from that time period are all married. Two have children (I am an Auntie By Choice to Alyssa and Emily) and two have babies on the way! Sure, it’s been an adjustment from going dancing to going shopping for baby clothes, but I’m more grateful than ever to have had the same friends for such a long period of time.

Overall, I have to say that the last decade has been a success. Sure, I had my heartbroken twice, had some really bad jobs and suffered a money crunch when I was laid off. But I gained my nieces and nephew, who, at the end of the day, make very challenge I face worth conquering. Having them around only make me want to learn more and be better, so that when they look back on their lives, they can see how far they’ve come. Just like me.