Googling Kwajalein I found that I would be without cell service, restaurants or grocery store choices, and the ability to drive a car – three things iconic for representing a “true” American teen’s independence. However, my expectation that the island would be boring was completely wrong. The lack of some “normal” pleasures allowed my attention to be placed on more productive activities. Being 2,000 miles away from Guam and Hawaii meant isolation, which encourages community activities. Helping others in my area wasn’t a goal of mine until I moved to Kwajalein. Just a mile away is an island called Ebeye, or sometimes, “the Slum of the Pacific”. Visiting a place with extreme poverty via a short ferry ride made me realize I did not have any excuse not to be more involved trying to help the Marshallese. Ultimately, I believe that work done here is a better way to spend time than on “normal” teenage pleasures. Because of this belief, I am grateful for the fact my family decided to move to