Interview with Jeffrey Mattison, April 13, 2021

Interview Summary

Jeffrey Mattison had various international experiences growing up. He graduated from Principia College with a degree in Russian studies and World Perspectives. Mattison was first assigned to Peace Corps in Benin, but after pre-service training was re-assigned to Jamaica. In both cases, he was trained to promote environmental information and activities. Mattison became fluent in Jamaican Creole or Patois. He was assigned to a K through 8th grade school, Watermount School, which is also the name of his village. Mattison developed and provided environment classes with other teachers. He extended his teaching to other schools. In addition to in-class studies, he worked with kids after school with a track and field team, 4-H activities, field trips, and an environment club. Mattison thinks that the soft skills are the Peace Corps' greatest contribution to relationship building, acceptance of others’ perspectives, and focusing on each’s commonalities. Interpersonal trust takes time yet can be lost quickly.

Interview Keyword

French (Language) Creole (Language) Patois (Language) Principia College Russian studies World Perspectives studies Parakou (Benin) Porto Novo (Benin) Cotonou (Benin) Environment Bariba (Language) Ganvie (Benin) Albert Town (Jamaica) Karst Watermount (Jamaica) Kids at risk Environmental education Computer classes Resentment Acceptance Cross-cultural understanding Soft skills Environment youth clubs Field trips 4-H activities Track and field teams Relationships Trust Benin (Country of service) 1999-1999 (Date of service) Jamaica (Country of service) 2000-2001 (Date of service) Peace Corps Volunteer Job: Environment Sector Training centers Site training Chamber pots Trelawny Parish (Jamaica)

Interview LC Subject

Peace Corps (U.S.) Peace Corps (U.S.)--Benin Benin Peace Corps (U.S.)--Jamaica Jamaica 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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