I am such a Northern California girl!

I just got back from Southern Cali, and man that was an experience. I was so looking forward to the trip prior to going. However, upon my return, I must say that a sour taste was left in my mouth about quite a few things. More and more i am learning that it is not what you know, but who you know. On the first night there, I attended a meet and greet with my boss and colleague, and we happened to talk to a man that works for a research team in the Bay Area. I was telling him how I was interested in going to grad school to receive my MPH, and I told him that I had applied to CAL and SF State. He told me that if he had known me earlier, he would have written a letter of recommendation for me. He also told me about how a few years ago he had the opportunity to sit in on the CAL MPH admissions board and noticed how professors were separating out the applications of the students they knew or heard about. That's amazing. What about all the others that have a true passion for working in that field? Just because they don't know the "right" people, is that to say they are not worthy of a chance to succeed? Blows my mind. I'm learning that it is important to network, but i can't help but fell guilty for utilizing the connections. Another idea that came into my head while I was in LA LA lLand is the idea f "making it." What does that exactly mean? I think that everyone would like to get to a point in which they are comfortable, but the idea of status symbols to me are so insane. I always wanted to get to a point in which I could provide for my mom, family, etc., but not splurge excessively. I am not exaggerating when I say that everyone in LA has a Mercedes Benz. Wow. And the sad thing is that some have totally abused them! WTF?!?! A funny thing happened on our trip to the beach -- which was breath taking by the way -- as we were stranded, and wound up hitching a ride with a young woman in her Mercedes. Side not -- Ana and I were joking about the fact that if either one of us would have approached her about a ride, that we would more than likely still be sitting on that highway, but I digress. I must say that they are nice cars, but honestly I really don't care to see another one again. There is a lot more that I have to say, but I'll continue at another time...