Not quite sure how a story would start on how life is away from my Island of Guam, but I'm almost certain that most experiences are comparable. This is my experience.........

It has been almost thirteen years since I left my home on Guam. Although I've been back on occasion for family emergencies, I long for the time when I can surely say that I am going back to my beautiful island and live the rest of life there.

It all started in 1986, when out of the blue, I made a decision to come to the mainland. This was of course, a shock to my friends and family. But I felt that I had served my time on the island and needed to see what was all the hype about the mainland.

 Going from the streets of Guam that I had grown very familiar with and into the virtual unknown the rest of America had to offer me was an extreme culture shock! Not once did I ever have any incidents with the law while growing up on the island.

 After only three months in the mainland I got in trouble for drinking beer on the beach, whereas it was perfectly legal to do that on the beaches of Guam. So much for being in the Land of the Free. In a two year period, I was able to accumulate three traffic citations. Driving on Guam's roads for six years with a perfect record only made my violations seem the more unbearable. At this point I thought about returning to the island. But my family and friends, who once were so concerned that I might not be able to fit in here, convinced me to stay. They told me that the mainland had a lot to offer and that it was up to me to make things happen.

 Then came the real challenge of finding a job. I made it clear to myself that I was not going to flip burgers. I went about and found that there were agencies that could find you temporary employment. I was able to do just that for about six months, until I found a permanent job through a family friend. Who said connections were only available on the island? My job introduced me to my first supervisor who, to this day, has been my mentor and advisor in my quest to succeed Away From Home. I am truly grateful for meeting up with an individual who showed much kindness and compassion, which I believe, was a reward for him, as well. 

 The political atmosphere or lack thereof, became eminent throughout mystruggle to find solid employment. The mainland just doesn't play the same game that we play the "hire him fan, because he's my cousin" kind of thing. My aforementioned hookup was an exception; I got real lucky.

 Unless you are able and willing to work yourself up the company ladder, obtaining a good education is the only sure-fire way to get a good job in the corporate world. After settling into my job, the reality of really being in Corporate America rattled my nerves with so many uncertainties. It showed little concern for weakness. There was zero tolerance for insubordination. I was a small tilapia trying to survive amongst the bigger fish. People from the island who want to take the challenge of coming to the mainland need to realize that they must bring with them an open mind and thick skin to take in the imminent new concepts and somewhat discouraging rejections. It is also important that the culture you were brought up to follow should be instilled within you. Respect for yourself and others and determination will help you get through all the adversities. You ask how? It is in you!