Honest opinion please

In the end I don't think its a competition "to see who deserves it the most". It's just about who would make the BEST EMPLOYEE:

-demonstrated work ethic is a plus -foreign language skills is a plus

maybe someone who is out of college could answer?

you work. that's a plus. Foreign language skills, that's also a plus. But you're not applying to university in the idea that recruiters not trying to see what sort of 'value' you can add by bringing a unique perspective to the table. Your background is interesting and if you can show that, because of your experiences, you are a hardworker, able to multi-task, determined, etc., it'll be okay. GPA and school are definitely a factor, but i'd say work experience and extracurriculars can help put you over the edge.

Obviously grades and experience do matter--it's just really frustrating watching idiots who have absolutely NO work experience and get good grades in a system that is just like school, get internships because the system is so rigid here. I'm just really exhausted--I work six days a week and am doing an Econ degree in French (I guess that means I can handle long hours and stress) and it's like I'm busting my ass for no reason. I don't have the BEST grades but I've admitted my weaknesses and am working on fixing whatever I have to. I'm not moving (or giving up) but I guess I have to write a really great cover letter in order to make myself heard.

Thanks for the comments though---they did help a bit

a reason you chose to go to school in France?

Long story. I wanted to travel while I was young (I still am. I started school here--meant to do only a year and just stayed on. I can't give up now because of various reasons.

interesting. good luck.

Honestly, quit the entitlement rant. Don't say that other people don't deserve it as much as you do, etc, because (whether you realize it or not) it will influence your demeanor. Nobody wants some whiny, needy kid working for them. Look in the mirror and say "I am going to f-en do this" and make it happen. Seriously, only you have control of your future.

Krakauer; I realize that I can't whine in public--that's why I whine here (sorry but I think you people are the only ones who really understand). I try to be humble and I realize that I've made a lot of mistakes in the past but I've set about fixing them and I know what I have to do. I just do it--like most of you on these boards. I don't feel entitled to anything--I just want confirmation, or at least some appreciation of the fact that I possess some drive and motivation.