Easier said than done is true, but I hope it can be done. I would hate to lose the friendship that's building. Reminding myself that's not who I am is a constant thing, but I hope that it's something that can stick.
Turning negative emotions into a positive outlet is good, and I'm sure your experience could benefit in some way, either for yourself or someone you might help. The opportunity to attend college is always something to be thankful for, given the expense of it all. A lot of people assumed the situation I came from meant I was stupid, or that I didn't understand because English is my second language.