I took 5 years on my STEM degree and still got a great job, goat area, my own car, no debt, full benefits, 401k, etc. The company I'm with now pays for me to get my Master's Degree if I want to go that route.
I changed majors twice which set me back but I have no regrets. I got to see and do a lot of really cool shyt in college.
Don't hate on the valedictorian because you sound bitter and jealous out a sense of low self esteem. I know because I felt the same way about another dude who made it to med school. I realized I can't compare my life to others because I don't know what he went through to get there or the sacrifices he made.
The most important thing is focusing on you and doing your thing. As long as you feel self fulfilled fukk everyone else.