Susan I read your rejection for choice college selection and can empathzise with the students who did not get what they wanted in a choice of college. That is sad, but on the other hand, having parents who cared enough to send them to college is a huge plus. You were so right in letting the disappointed students know that "it's not about the hand you're delt, but how you play it."
Most of my grandchildren have gone to college and are doing well with good jobs. One of my grandsons is in the financial field out in California. He hit the jackpot by going with his third company, salary close to a mil. Bonus this year alone 89 thousand. He's only 30 years old. The rest are in teaching and service work and also doing OK.
I think your college advice will be very encouraging to students who feel slighted not getting what they wanted. Getting that piece of paper will make all the difference when they join the working force.
Keep encouraging those yaungsters.