Interview with Samantha Dillman Pike, February 1, 2022

Interview Summary

Samantha “Sam” Dillman Pike served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Dominican Republic in 2009 and 2010, in the Youth in Development Program. Sam’s early interest in Peace Corps was reinforced by a high school teacher, who served in Cameroon. Sam left for training only five months after applying. Initial training was in the Pantoja barrio of Santo Domingo, followed by sector specific training in Constanza. Volunteers stayed with host families during training, and the first few months of service. Sam was assigned to Punta Rucia, on the northern coast. Sam’s work with teens, providing sexual health education, eventually expanded to include adult health classes. She developed close ties with fellow PCVs and members of her community. After a year in country, Sam received news the death of a close friend back home. Deeply troubled, she decided to end her service early. She went on to serve as a Americorps/Vista volunteer in Oregon, working in a program to provide permanent farm worker housing. She continues to feel close ties to the Dominican Republic and Peace Corps.

Interview Keyword

Peace Corps (U.S.) Dominican Republic (country of service) 2009-2010 (date of service) Peace Corps Volunteer Job: Youth in Development Spanish (language) Pantoja, Santo Domingo Constanza Punta Rucia sexual health education adult health classes Americorps Vista early termination

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