Don't push so hard, but think a lot.-in the sense of thinking thoughts that make you feel right with the world/expand what you understand. question.
wonder. you know, that good stuff. it helps. it is nature's growing powder. then use it to make things that make you proud, and inspire others.

Excel.
you have to do the stuff
you have to do the stuff that makes you feel exquisite.
it's ok to both be responsible and feel things,feel bad or sad or depressed or whatever about the stuff that happens.
then say: ok It happened how do i fix it? -otherwise how can you keep passion/lack of cynicism alive?
Apply to schools.