Interview with Leigh Forbush, October 2, 2023

Interview Summary

Leigh Forbush Dominican Republic, 2009-2011, Health. Leigh Forbush was born in Portchester, NY and raised in Boston. Her family travelled globally to learn about the world’s diversity. Leigh attended Vanderbilt University and majored in global health and Spanish. She joined Peace Corps as a steppingstone towards an international career. She was assigned to a health project based in El Guayabo which extended to surrounding communities. Her community specifically requested a Volunteer and had a formal committee. Leigh initiated her work via a community assessment; listening to the issues and interests of community members. Leigh’s scope included health education classes for women and youth (nutrition, reproductive health), healthy stoves, water filters and the rehabilitation of an aqueduct. She also supported the local school. Leigh shares descriptions of her house, community, and work itinerary. Leigh saw health worker capacity development as critical to addressing the area’s needs. While still a Volunteer, Leigh married her host brother in the community.

Interview Keyword

Dominican Republic Health Boston high school global issues travel China France Spain Australia New Zealand Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN global health Spanish Spring breaks mission trips counselor PEPFAR HIV application Pre-Service Training Santo Domingo Entrena training contractor Bani practice site Flota network of PCVs fogon cook stove El Guayabo work site small community Santiago Rodriguez Provincial Capital bola free ride yuca casava truck transportation Torres Peralta Rodriguez families workshops SPA grants healthy stove reproductive health nutrition water projects ferreteria hardware store celebrations Rotary International Elias Rodriquez Margaret Hudson RPCVs Miguel Leon Peace Corps staff host brother fiancé husband community buy-in colmado bodega stores Don Chucho Hotel math teacher self-sufficient social interaction vacation re-entry anxiety U.S. visitors community interests request for PCV culture coming home spousal culture shock.

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