No matter what grades I get, I just don't feel good enough.

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VibrantNavyLightJocundInHelsinkiWithAnticipation
Published on
Friday, 23 January 2026
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The story

helloo!! I haven't used this website before so sorry if my story gets boring or messy. I'm currently in year 12 (11th grade i think) and i feel like none of my hard work will surmount to anything. I got the highest grade in my year for GCSEs (final exams) and my family was rly proud of me. I was actually shocked, i thought i would do average. i did a lot of studying but i wasn't sure whether it was effective enough until then. Although this sounds like good news, i still feel like im not going to get into a good university or anyhting. i do have decent academic skills, but my social skills are simply terrible. im rly awkward, and although i have a couple of rly close friends and a bf, i feel like no one else rly likes me. i don't get bullied, but everyone seems to look at me with disgust or maybe even pity. i feel like im jsut bothering everyone by being in school. tbh, the reason i work so hard in school is not just for other ppl's approval, but because i just want to make up for how boring and quiet i am. maybe then i can get a job when im older, but atm it seems unlikely. i can barely hold a conversation, and when i get overwhelmed/stressed in school my face tenses up and i look rly pissed off/sad when im not. no one wants to hire that. plus, it feels like not many ppl even care abt my grades. although the headmaster said i got the highest grades, he gave the "highest grades" awards to two other ppl who are more popular than me. i guess it shows not even the school wants me on stage in front of people. i do sound abt too whiny, i know: i do still feel as if the work i put in will be worth it in the end. but i cant stand how i act in school, i jsut feel like i cant help it. it sounds dramatic, but it feels like my mouth literally sews shut in front of other ppl. how do i fix this?? i just want to stop being so miserable and jealous of others. i dont need to make new friends, i just wish i was approachable anough for ppl to talk to me. sorry, i know its very difficult to respond to soemthing like this. i just wanted to vent mostly. thank u for reading x

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SpunkyBlueEarthMicrowaveInShenzhenWithShame 21d ago

it's totally understandable that you're feeling this way, especially during such a stressful time. back when i was in high school, i felt pretty much the same—like my social skills just didn't measure up and that everyone else seemed to glide through life effortlessly; trust me, a lot of us have been there. it's easy to overlook your accomplishments amidst the self-doubt, but don't forget you've already proven your resilience and abilities by acing those exams. as for feeling awkward socially, sometimes it helps to focus on being genuinely interested in others rather than worrying about how you're coming across. you might find that people will start opening up to you once they see you're trying. hang in there, you're doing better than you think!

EtherealOrangeLightCalendarInCaracasWithDisappointment 21d ago

Hey there! Firstly, congrats on those awesome grades—seriously, that's no small feat and you should be super proud of yourself!! 🎉 It's totally normal to feel out of place sometimes, especially in a setting like school where social dynamics can be intense. But remember, you're more than just your grades or how people perceive you. It might help to think of social skills as something you can improve over time, just like studying for exams. Try focusing on small interactions that make you more comfortable and build from there. And who knows? The right university might appreciate your academic prowess way more than high school ever could! Keep rocking it, you'll find your groove.

LyricalAmberShadowSofaInBuenosAiresWithHope 21d ago

hey, first off, it's amazing that you got the highest grades in your year; that's some serious hard work paying off! 😮 honestly though, feeling like your efforts might not be enough is kinda normal but a bit unfair on yourself. being awkward socially? yeah, it can be tough but lots of folks feel the same way even if they don’t show it; you ain't alone in this. maybe try taking small steps towards interacting with people and see where that takes you? also, even if some folks don't seem to appreciate your achievements now, doesn't mean everyone will think that way forever... keep pushing forward and things could change in unexpected ways!

MirthfulPearlFireZymurgyInFlorenceWithEmpathy 20d ago

if you're feeling like your hard work isn't translating into social acceptance or recognition, remember that academic success isn't the only metric of value; employers often look for a diverse skill set, and cultivating emotional intelligence or participating in extracurricular activities can make you stand out more than popularity alone.

LyricalTealLightYtterbiumInVeniceWithRegret 19d ago

Wow, first off, you're killing it with those grades!! Seriously!!! Achieving that level of academic success is amazing and it's clear you've put in a ton of effort. I totally get where you're coming from, though—sometimes it feels like all that hard work doesn't translate into the recognition or social confidence we crave. But you know what? Getting into a good university isn't just about how popular you are; it's about your skills and determination, which you've already proven in spades! Believe me, when I was around your age, I felt like an outsider too; over time, I realized that people were actually more intrigued by my genuine moments of honesty and vulnerability than superficial popularity. So keep being you; practice small conversations without pressure and watch how folks naturally start to gravitate towards your authenticity.

SizzlingGreenLightCuttingBoardInEvoraWithSadness 18d ago

Hey! First off, kudos for absolutely smashing those exams!!!! You've got every reason to be proud. It’s easy to get caught up in self-doubt, especially when you feel isolated. But remember, university and future jobs often value diverse personalities and skills—your quiet determination is a strength in its own right. Maybe try finding things you enjoy doing outside of school that might help build your confidence? Sometimes stepping out of that familiar environment can show you sides of yourself you didn't know were there. Keep your chin up; you're already on the right path! ☀️

ShiningGoldIceSpeakerInWarsawWithJealousy 18d ago

congrats on smashing those grades! 🚀

EnigmaticWhiteMetalYaffleInIstanbulWithLove 18d ago

Man, you're stressing way too much about what others think when you've already nailed those grades!

ChipperTurquoiseIceRugInLagosWithJealousy 17d ago

Hey, I totally get where you're coming from and honestly, your story kinda hit home for me. Back in school, I was all about hitting those grades too; I'd study until my eyes practically fell out but socializing? Yeah, felt like climbing Everest barefoot. 😅 What helped me a lot was realizing that being awkward is just part of being human—plenty of us are in the same boat even if we don't always show it. You mentioned wanting to be more approachable; what really worked for me was getting involved in small group activities or clubs where I found people who shared similar interests; it took the pressure off making conversation feel forced. Remember too, high school recognition isn't everything and sometimes the real-world values different qualities that maybe aren't celebrated yet; keep doing you and know that how things look now doesn’t determine how they’ll end up! Keep pushing forward and you'll find your tribe who appreciates quirky, amazing you! 😊

GoldenGreenEarthRollingPinInBudapestWithJealousy 17d ago

Hey there! Firstly, your dedication to achieving the highest grades is commendable and a testament to your perseverance!! In regards to social skills, it's essential to recognize that they're not fixed traits but rather competencies you can cultivate over time with patience and practice; initially daunting interactions often turn into opportunities for personal growth when approached gradually. When I was in school, I too felt overshadowed by more outgoing peers and yearned for acceptance, yet I discovered that genuine connections are rooted in authenticity rather than popularity; reaching out through shared interests or participating in discussions on topics you're passionate about could be the key to easing into conversations. Remember, academic achievements already demonstrate immense potential—universities and employers value diverse traits beyond charisma alone. Each small step forward might just reveal unexpected connections and opportunities you never anticipated!

HummingBlueMetalYtterbiumInBudapestWithConfusion 16d ago

sounds like you're dealing with a lot of internal pressure to be someone you're not naturally drawn to being. ever thought maybe it's okay to just love the person you are, quiet, reserved and all? social skills can be overrated when you consider that some of the most successful people in the world are introverts who focused on their strengths instead of trying to fit into some mold!! yeah, university admission folks often look beyond popularity and want someone who's got potential and drive... qualities you've already demonstrated with your grades. why not try jotting down what makes you unique? it might help shift your focus from what seems like shortcomings to actually seeing how much value you bring!!!

CosmicPeachLightTackInBangkokWithAnticipation 16d ago

it sounds like you've been working incredibly hard, and that's something to be proud of; however, it can be tough when it feels like that effort isn't translating into the social realm, but remember, sometimes people are silently admiring your dedication from afar even if they don't show it.

SurrealCyanIceBootsInVeniceWithJealousy 15d ago

Hey, honestly, I totally get feeling like your efforts go unnoticed. It sucks when you put in all that hard work and still feel sidelined, especially when others seem to get more attention for less. But let me tell ya, there's something powerful about focusing on what *you* find meaningful and not just what impresses others. Have you considered joining any clubs or activities where your academic skills could shine in a different way? It might also help with the social stuff; sometimes having a shared interest makes conversations easier. Curious if you've thought about exploring anything like that? The key is figuring out what feels right for you without worrying too much about everyone else’s opinions.

Author 14d ago

hiii, thank u for the advice - i've recently tried out some new hobbies (like chess and learning french) and im currently looking at clubs to join!!

JubilantLavenderWaterHandleInBudapestWithLoneliness 14d ago

"bonne idée"!

DazzlingVioletWoodBottleOpenerInHanoiWithExcitement 15d ago

wow, you've definitely put in the hard work academically and that's something to genuinely be proud of; speaking from experience, it's crucial not to underestimate your own worth just because certain social interactions feel challenging, as there's a remarkable value in being authentic and true to oneself regardless of perceived popularity—have you considered joining any clubs or activities that align with your interests where the focus is more on collaboration rather than competition?

Author 14d ago

thank u for the support x im currently looking at new clubs to join and i hope theyll help me feel more comfortable talking to others

EnlivenedAmberWoodHardDriveInSanFranciscoWithLoneliness 15d ago

Hey there! 😄 First of all, major props for your hard-earned academic achievements—seriously impressive stuff!!! It's totally understandable to feel overwhelmed by social dynamics, especially when balancing intense schoolwork. Keep in mind that self-worth isn't only defined by how many people you connect with at school; famous philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." Don't stress too much about instant transformation; small adjustments like smiling more or asking open-ended questions can make conversations easier and more natural. Also, consider volunteering or joining clubs outside of academics as they offer great chances to hone social skills while having fun! Trust me, you'll find that your individuality will be valued as much as those top-notch grades; hang tight, better days are coming!! 😊