Wow....Your school sounds like the one I went to for a brush-up course.  If you love what you do then you will see yourself through this.  I know its hard being in an environment where you feel you're the only one thats serious about what you do.  Be encouraged....Depending on what state you're from you've already put in so many long hours, so please don't let all that time be in vain.  Don't allow other people's behavior dictate how you feel and who you are in this vast and lucrative industry.  Go to every seminar/show that you can afford to go to.  Buy some styling dvds, visit salons and tell them how you feel.  Befriend other stylists and pick their brain so to speak. 

Prepare yourself for the state board exam and stay focused. Believe me, having that license means a huge world of possibilities.  TRUST ME!! 

Keep your head up SammBee....here, this is for you.

Dearest SammBee,

Always remember that misery loves company. I am in a salon that is sometimes the same way. I just like to think about my goals and ambitions and that if I thought or felt the way that they did, my life wouldn't get any better. Idle hands means busy mouths. Stay positive, your almost there.