As the oldest of four children, I constantly hear how I am supposed to be setting a good example for my younger siblings; get good grades, get accepted into a good college, but most of all make sure I am happy and comfortable with the decisions I make. I have the responsibility to show my youngest brother that being a teenager is not all play, but to still take time to enjoy the moments.

Not all teenagers who are bitter about their lack of acceptance letters to those prestigious colleges are underachievers, nor do they make excuses for themselves when they do not achieve their goals.

As for an internship or something impressive to put on your resume, don’t fret Suzy, you wrote a letter that was published in the Wall Street Journal!

Most of us high school seniors set too high of a standard for ourselves, and some parents expect a bit too much out of us as well. We all don’t handle stress the same way; some of us eat under stress, while others find relief in sleeping for hours.

Going to college shouldn’t feel like your only option. There are plenty of decent occupations that do not require a four-year degree from Harvard or any other Ivy League school. Who needs big Ivy League colleges anyway? And who even needs a state university to start everything off? You don’t always have to have so many extracurriculars, leadership positions, high SAT scores or be good at any varsity sport. You could always do what my mother did and start off at a small community college then work your way back up to at least the middle of the totem pole. There are so many other things that you could do that could make you just as much money and have just as much fun.

There are plenty of opportunities out there that are yet to be discovered. College isn’t the only option, and it isn’t always the best option either. You have to find the environment that best suits you, no matter how far out it may seem.

So, my fellow students, do not fret over the fact that you did not get accepted into what you think is the “right college,” you may end up taking a completely different and better path without it.

First published on PBS NewsHour Extra, April 10, 2013.