Interview with Kim Herman, July 19, 2021

Interview Summary

Kim Herman grew up in Opportunity, Washington. He was influenced by John F. Kennedy’s speech about Peace Corps being “the toughest job you’ll ever love” in a television ad at sixteen years of age and committed himself to joining. He had worked with his father on carpentry projects and thought it was the type of skill that would be of use in the Peace Corps. Herman graduated from Washington State University with a degree in political science (with a focus on Latin America) and teaching. He accepted an invitation to serve in the Dominican Republic in the rural community development sector with the Office of Community Development (ODC) as a community organizer. Herman was based in San Rafael del Yuma near Higuey. His house was a typical rural wood house with a thatched roof and outhouse. He eventually worked in five communities building roads, schools, an agriculture warehouse, and other projects. Herman was well accepted and supported.

Interview Keyword

Opportunity (Wash.) Spokane (Wash.) Carpentry John F. Kennedy Latin America Washington State University Political science Teaching history Vietnam War, 1961-1975 Draft board Peace Corps applications Medical issues Dominican Republic (Country of service) Rural community development Camp Radley (Puerto Rico) Spanish (Language) Family experience Selection process Oficina de Desarrollo de la Communidad (Office of Community Development) Higuey (Dominican Republic) Mata Chalupe (Dominican Republic) San Rafael del Yuma (Dominican Republic) Rural houses Higüey (Dominican Republic) Typical day Vacations Mexico Friendships Challenges Accomplishments Memorable moments Relationships Trust Cultural influences Community action agencies Rural housing specialists Friends of the Dominican Republic 1967-1969 (Date of service) Peace Corps Volunteer Job: Community Development Sector

Interview LC Subject

Peace Corps (U.S.) Peace Corps (U.S.)--Dominican Republic Dominican Republic Acculturation Communication and culture Culture Culture shock Intercultural communication Interpersonal communication and culture Interpersonal relations Interpersonal relations and culture Language and culture Language and languages Lifestyles Manners and customs Voluntarism Volunteers

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