I'm 19, currently attending a pretty good university for an undergrad in economics and accounting (or finance, haven't made up my mind). I eventually want to go into politics and am also taking a lot of time reading about world history, politics, policy and philosophy to prepare me for it when I do try to step up to some sort of position. Unemployed and worried about getting a job in the summer. Really worried. My parents paid for my first year rent and residence, I don't think they can afford another. I feel like I'm on the right track, I'm doing better than many, but at the same time I'm feeling a bit empty as in... how do I stack up? All these presidents and senior execs and senators all went to some Ivey League school, I'm not somewhere even 1/10 that, don't have 1/20 the connections, and I see people around me who are ramping up for internships and scholarships, and have jobs lined up.
Although connections give one a great headstart, they aren't everything. The person is what matters the most. For example, a former president of the american college of surgery is a friend of mine. He is from a small town and went to a medical school no one has ever heard of. But he's really talented and dedicated. That's what is really important. We live in a meritocracy, fortunately. Chin up.