Is anybody having trouble living up to expectations?

College Confidential Community
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<p>I'm lucky. I go to a good school. I have at least a few people who believe in me. I have every opportunity to make something of myself.</p>

<p>And yet, every time I hear "Oh, you're going to go so far!" or "Can't wait to see what you do in a few years!" I have to cringe, because the honest and frightening truth is that I DON'T know if I'm going to make something of myself. The odds are against me-- I'm earning a degree that is, statistically, one of the least "employable" (theater, wooooo) and I'm having a bit of difficulty meeting everybody's lofty standards that I seem to have pinned upon myself with a good run in high school.</p>

<p>The worst thing, though, is "Don't forget where you came from!" I hate that. I hate the implication that if by some miracle of hard work and good luck I ever "make it big", my hometown or the people I knew will be entitled to a share of the credit. </p>

<p>Maybe I'm just venting, but it seems hard to focus when the only outcomes are either being a total letdown or having someone else assume the kudos on the eventuality that I DO actually succeed. It kinda feels like nobody is ever genuinely happy because you're happy, and instead they've got to focus on what they can get out of you and your effort.</p>

<p>Now I'm starting to realize why they say you can't go home again, you know?</p>

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<p>I’m an adult, and it took me a LONG time to realize you have to take what people say with a grain of salt. Believe me, you will be getting advice/comments every step of the way on every topic imaginable - high school, college, marriage, kids, grandkids, etc., etc. If you let all this get to you, you’ll go nuts! Just smile and nod when people say stuff, and then forget it! Do what YOU think is best. My other advice is to make the best decisions you can, then don’t look back. Hindsight really is 20/20, but who cares? We have two ill sons, and people are constantly giving me advice - “You should try X supplement. You should go to this doctor. You should get expensive testing done.” and on and on. I thank them for their thoughts, then continue to do what I think is best for my sons.</p>