I used to be one of the best in class, now I'm feeling inferior..

Re: I feel really inferior at school because I used to be the intelligent one in my class but now I'm just average or below average. The thing about intelligence is that it’s relative. You’re surrounded by people of your level so you tend to feel average or no longer ‘special’. Compare your intelligence to your previous group of friends and you may rate yourself a 7 or an 8. But compare your intelligence to say, Stephen Hawking or simply to the incomprehensible amount of information the universe possesses waiting to be discovered and your intelligence is but a grain of sand in the Sahara Desert of life. This is not to say that you aren’t intelligent, it’s to say that intelligence is a very abstract term. To complicate matters further, there are also different types of intelligence worth considering – linguistic, logical-mathematical, interpersonal, existential and so on and so forth. Not being the fastest runner in one type of race doesn’t make you any less of a runner. It’s worth keeping in mind is that your worth is not the sum of your intelligence, however much you may value being smart. Although intelligence is one of your qualities, your intelligence doesn't define you because intelligence in itself is indefinable and relative. No single quality should define you. Grab a piece of paper and write down all the positive qualities you have. Intelligence is one of those qualities but all of those qualities are yours and and of equal value. The important thing is to not lose motivation or slack off because “ it isn't worth it”. Uppers will tell you that the feeling will subside given its time. Remember that you're not alone and it's safe to say that most other first years are thinking the same thing. In the meantime : work hard, make an effort and focus on being the best you can be. Acknowledge that you have room for improvement as has everyone, and accept learning opportunities as they come your way. Sincerely, The Advice Team