Looking back on your past and feeling regret can be depressing, I too used to look back at all the wasted hours I could have spent being productive (especially when I think about how much I played video games...).

However, I think it's important to be able to look back at everything and find the positives as well. I think you should take pride in where you are and where you come from. This kid has his story, and so too you have your own, just because it's different doesn't mean it's bad, it's just who you are, and that in itself holds a lot of value.