@bitdollar,
You have given some good advice here in this post. One thing that is also very important to go along with what you have here is don't be afraid to fail. The fear of failure is the biggest obstacle for most people in life, that and the fear of rejection.
Plenty of great ideas and opportunities are squandered because of these two things. Young people need to realize that failure isn't the worst thing that can happen, living with the regret of not trying is.
Just my opinion,
@sultnpapper