I recently learned that I was admitted early action to my first-choice college. At first, I was stoked. Then I started to feel bad: Many of my friends, who worked just as hard as I did, didn’t get good news. I’ve started to feel let down—like the achievement I thought was going to make me feel like a rock star isn’t doing it for me. Do you think this is weird? —SENIOR
First, congratulations on your admission! I know the competition’s fierce and your hard work was probably substantial. As for the evolution of your feelings, they’re totally natural (in my experience). You are more than your accomplishments, and your friends are more than their disappointments. If I were you, I’d set aside the college question for a minute and focus on your connections with friends and others in your community. They’ll often be more nourishing than achievements.
—Adapted from “Social Q’s” in The New York Times Magazine