Angie - I find it very inspiring that your classmate's tragedy is motivating you to make your life more positive!
As I see it, recovery is the one place where we are encouraged to make it "all about ourselves." I know for me, recovery is the first place where I stopped trying to ease others' burdens and put the focus solely on what needed fixing in me. I started to see what I could to do be happier.
I used to think that self care was ridiculously indulgent. Now I can see it helps me be a better friend, wife, mom, coworker, etc.
Keep up the good work Angie!