Interview with David Padilla, April 22, 2021

Interview Summary

David Padilla grew up in Detroit, Michigan as the eldest of 11 children. As he grew up, he became aware of changes in policies related to global issues. Padilla graduated from the University of Detroit in psychology, philosophy, and Spanish and continued for a Juris Doctor degree (J.D.). He taught briefly. Padilla applied to the Peace Corps jointly with his wife, Kathy. He was accepted in a municipal management project in Venezuela. His wife was defined as a non-matrix spouse, i.e. unspecified project sector. Padilla was trained in Ponce, Puerto Rico in one of the first host family live-in training programs. This was also a period of technical specialty programming. Padilla undertook a land study survey (cadaster) to determine municipal resources. Padilla also helped develop municipal ordinances. He noted that the young people were thirsting for modernity. Padilla co-authored a book on Municipal Development Institutions. He also talks about the complexities of diversity and his own views of being an American.

Interview Keyword

Venezuela (Country of service) 1970-1972 (Date of service) Municipal Management Sector Detroit, Michigan University of Detroit Saint Mary’s of Redford Municipal management Pre-service training Ponce, Puerto Rico Host family Married couples Families San Fernando de Apure, Venezuela Los Llanos, Venezuela Guarico, Venezuela Municipal ordinances Careers & opportunities Vietnam War, 1961-1975. Spanish (Language) Peace Corps volunteers Ponce (P.R.) Municipal development Government supports Cadastres Careers. Community development Career moves Diversity in the Peace Corps

Interview LC Subject

Peace Corps (U.S.) Venezuela San Fernando de Apure (Venezuela) Municipal government. Teaching. Teachers. Education, Higher. Human rights. Peace Corps (U.S.)--Venezuela 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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Interview Usage

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