If you excel at something you have to go for it because life only offers you less than a handful of chances. Some people are not even handed one chance in life. It's very hard to make it in the USA. You have to excel when you are young because when you reach 40-50 yrs. the odds are against you unless you are exceptionally energetic, sharp and well-tempered. And the fact that teachers took an interest in you proves that you are worthy. I went to a large University and not one teacher ever knew who I was or that I existed.