<p>"I think I disappoint myself too easily when I am not the best in class… "</p>
<p>LOL: you have unrealistic expectations then! Humility is something that everyone quickly adopts. It’s likely that you won’t be the best in most scenarios. That goofball at the breakfast table? She’s probably AMAZING at something. Your nervous roomie from Montana? Same thing. That person who speaks knowingly about Spanish art? He’s not showing off – it’s really his passion. The pressure to be the best is off. Isn’t that a great thing? To be among people who are sparkling? Isn’t that why you want to be at Yale? Certainly not so fawning groupies can bow to your greatness.</p>
<p>Don’t worry about being a minnow. You’re there to learn, share YOUR amazing abilities/experiences with others, and draw theirs from them.</p>