The best advice I've ever gotten was that I should always do my best. If I can leave a situation knowing that I gave it my all, that's all I can do. And I have to be okay with that.

You're young. You remind them of themselves years ago. You're bright and shiny with your hope. If they weren't encouraging you, it would make them feel like they were letting you down. Block out the things you don't want to hear and focus on the things you do. And if you find yourself in want of a purportedly lucky acorn, shout.