I can't really comment on the idea of what happens in college or after college to students who "fall extra hard" because I am still only in high school. But as a student who has up to this point had a life totally dedicated to "getting into college" and getting a good score on all the standardized tests, its kind of surreal feeling to actually be going to college in a few months.
For all of the possible pitfalls, I think the ability to fail is a good thing. Take that how you will, but without the possibility of failure, of a true challenge, having to make something for yourself ... isn't the outcome cheapened? I don't really want "a clear idea of where that journey leads to" because that would kind of be like making a robot for FIRST with a full step-by-step instruction manual on how to make the perfect robot. We need the uncertainty that comes with the first small steps of personal independence, we need the chance to change our major, and we need the experience of not getting the first job we interview for. Because otherwise, we'll just take everything we have for-granted.
Most likely my tune will change in 5 years, after I'm out of college and more "mature," but right now so this discussion can have multiple viewpoints

that is my view as a senior in high school