I was like that but weirdly I was ‘adopted’ into a group where everyone was a good student and it was uncool not to be. It was even the popular people in the class, full of very well-rounded people (they were social, also into sports or music, friends outside of school, etc).

I still stood up as a “nerd” for reasons that felt inexplicable at the time but later made sense as it turned out I’m autistic. I wasn’t as well-rounded as them. I’d hang out with them but I couldn’t wait to do things by myself like being at the library, learning languages and computer stuff and playing games.

I don’t think any of these people talk to each other anymore because all of us grew in separate directions. I have made good friends since. I like the hobbies I got by allowing myself to do what I wanted. I like the opportunities I got from my grades.

I don’t think high school is where you consolidate your friends for the rest of your life. Some people do it, but it’s not a requirement.