Central California Reflections on the Peace Corps

“My Peace Corps experience in Western Samoa from 1976-1978 was a most memorable experience in itself. The joy of learning fa’a Samoa (The Samoan Way) and the love and laughter of the Samoan people are unsurpassed. Having married a Samoan native brings us back frequently, and we contemplate settling back to the islands at some point. Returning to the islands after several years away continues to reveal advancements (and challenges) that were beyond imagination during my Peace Corps tour.” David Righthouse Samoa 1976-1978 Chowchilla, CA 93610

“I think we Peace Corps volunteers are always willing to help make this world a better place in which to live.” Delta Shay Deweese Peru 1974-1974, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1975-1976 Bakersfield, CA 93305

“I have had many life experiences since then, and now and I can say without hesitation that the Peace Corps experience was the most fruitful, meaningful experience I have had. It helped shape my concept of the world and gave me a compassion for our neighbors across the ocean. It pointed the direction to my life's career and commitment.” James Robert Varner Tunisia 1964 – 1966 Bakersfield, CA 93307

“When you become part of another culture, sharing and experiencing their daily lives, all misunderstandings or misconceptions of other cultures disappears. You come to realize that most all cultures, outside of political influences, operate under the same basic tenets of desiring to raise a family and enjoying the joys of an extended family network. The beauty of being there is when you realize that your host country contacts or relationships have graciously included you in that intimate family network. Their hospitality will leave you overwhelmed at times.” James C. Lajoie Bakersfiled, CA 93309

Central California Reflections on the Peace Corps

“I walked into Peace Corps with my eyes and heart wide open. I left a different person. I see the world differently. I understand people better. I know abject poverty does not mean you don’t feel joy and happiness. I know that having ’things’ doesn’t matter because when you have a community you learn the tools to survive and have the support to find your way.” Anne P. Varnell Jamaica 2003 – 2005 Bakersfield, CA 93311

“(Peace Corps means) The best of America.” Judith A. Hornaday Malawi 1966-1967 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

“My experience (in the Peace Corps) prepared me to be the Bilingual Teacher Preparation Program director for students seeking to be bilingual teachers at the California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. As a teacher educator in California, my students have varied cultural, ethnic, linguistic, racial, and social class backgrounds. I prepare these future teachers to understand how Spanish proficiency (listening, speaking, reading, and writing), cultural understanding of Spanish-speaking communities, and familiarity with the historical and social foundations of bilingualism will shape the learning experiences for the many students they will teach throughout their careers.” Patricia Mulligan Costa Rica 1973 – 1975 Arroyo Grande, CA 93420

“My Peace Corps experience has uncovered a far greater degree of unfolding openness and deep love for the people of Chad. I am eternally part Chadian. When I ponder my two years there, I am captivated by the allure of this incredibly harsh environment. This Peace Corps venture has exposed me to a world mostly undetected by the rest of humanity.” Joan Ladd Chad 1969 – 1971 Santa Maria, CA 93454

Central California Reflections on the Peace Corps

“The Peace Corps provides an exciting opportunity for personal growth facing unanticipated challenges outside one's comfort zone. For me, working with a mutually supportive staff and creative, dedicated Volunteers was an intense period of tremendous personal and professional growth.” Ronald Faas PhD Brazil 1967-1970 and 1970-1972 (Staff) Santa Maria, CA 93455

“Serving with the Peace Corps taught me so much about human nature, laughing whenever you have the chance, patience, understanding, and knowing your people, which I found to be the most important thing when dealing with my villagers. I found out I could learn some words of new languages, even though I had never thought I was capable of that kind of thing.” Thelma A. Poncetta Senegal 1960-1962 Santa Maria, CA 93458

“It has been 17 years now since I was in the Peace Corps so the immediate impact has faded, but when I came home, I changed my career. I could no longer go back to a corporate job. I wanted to just be in service because it felt so good to do that. So, I changed my career to teaching, which allowed me to serve and to get out of the city life and into a more peaceful, scenic, and rural area.” Lynn Boulton Guatemala 1999-2002

Lee Vining, CA 93541