<p>You’re obviously a smart girl, but you’re wrong about one thing: there are LOTS of people who are happily married and lead interesting, satisfying lives without being pretty or bubbly or super-intelligent… or being an ivy league graduate. To be sure, Harvard would be nice, but it’s not the only avenue to success and happiness. Nothing can stop you from being happy and going after your dream except your own attitude and outlook on life! Yes, there are sometimes disappointments in life, but you deal with them and move forward and don’t let others (ie; parents) bring you down.</p>
<p>So maybe you don’t get into an ivy, and your parents are disappointed/ashamed/mortified. Their reaction might make you unhappy for a while… but chances are, they will get over it eventually. But let’s say they don’t… let’s say they keep bringing it up every Thanksgiving until you’re in your 50s. THAT might make you unhappy… but what parents don’t irritate their kids in some way? You just roll your eyes and then go hug your kids and husband. Because the truth is, you are going to have a great life where ever you wind up going to college, you’re going to meet Mr. Right, and you’re not going to let anything or anyone put a damper on your happiness!</p>