I don't know if it's just peculiar to only my country or its like that everywhere, but the reality now remains that to gain certain opportunities, it is usually by "what' you know and 'who' you know. But most importantly, 'who' you know.
To gain admission into the university, to acquire a job, to secure a position, to be given utmost preference in certain occasions and situations, etc has to do with your 'connections' i.e the person(s) you know. I had so many years of delayed university admission because I didn't have anyone to connect me despite having passed my papers. And I was still only able to get it because I was finally connected to someone who was able to help me.
Bottom line, your connections is what helps you navigate through life. Despite having the 'merit' , you still need people to help push, connect, project, and recommend you. It is what it is. You'll be really lucky if get something without knowing anyone. So.... Yeah, build your connections.
