Shana;
"World here I come"
I can assure you - the world is looking forward to your contributions!
Yes, the students you teach will be grateful for the experiences you have had that made you exactly who you are!
Congratulations! Go for the gold in whatever you do!
BTW, Your counselor is right. You can do whatever you set your mind to do. Perserverance is the key!
Shalom!