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 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 my 
     struggle 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!