<p>I think the mention of a job simply serves as a manifestation of the passion. Mentioning it is an effective way to qualify the degree at which he pursued his love for train travel. Ben wasn't trying to imply that the simple hiring was a make-or-break factor.</p>
<p>People get into MIT because they are a good fit for the school. Perhaps "passion" is an overused buzz word among the sweaty-palmed applicant contingent, but regardless, specific anecdotes or facts about a given applicant don't all-of-a-sudden guarantee admission. Everyone has their own story and there is a class of one thousand to fill.</p>