Relationships and credentials are all cards that can get you to places. What to do once you're there is entirely up to you and there's nothing to be ashamed of if you happen to have better cards. You have played one card already so make the most out of it and do an amazing job before you rush into collecting more in your pocket. No one knows you better than yourself and there's no reason to get upset when others speculate incorrectly. They are all here to help. Some may be more curious than others but most have the best intentions and are incredibly generous and wise people.
It's wonderful that you're using your birthday time to reflect and look into the future. I would recommend doing some research and get a better understanding of the application process before you plunge into it. There are plenty of great resources on the web and here are my two favorites from CD:
这些天有一个project要做,每天加班,估计要忙一段时间,上来冒个泡,感谢所有通过帖子和邮件回复帮助我给我提建议的朋友,我会过一段时间仔细阅读所有建议,并且一一回复答谢,但是这几天时间不允许.对于怀疑我说我骗子或者骂我更难听的话的朋友,我想说我不会再提供任何信息来证明自己前面所言,因为你信我所言对我无利,不信亦对我无害,我不会浪费时间在这个事情上面.不过我想送你一句话: Being critical is nice. But never ever try to waste your time and energy on something that does not generate any benefit to you, to me, or to anybody else. Since you are the loser eventually.