On the recordMarch 1, 2011
John, I went into the Peace Corps right after graduating from college in 1963. I knew I wanted to be called for that service. I had done Air Force ROTC in college, and I worked overseas for a cousin who had a factory in Argentina. It was my cross-cultural experience. And I realized that once I got bitten by wanting to see other languages and other cultures, that when the Peace Corps was announced, that's what I would do. And I thought when I left the Peace Corps--when I went in, I thought when I leave I will probably come back and be a high school biology teacher. My background had been in science. And I went to do urban community development, which just means we were listening to what we call the felt needs of very poor people in a very poor barrio that didn't have any water or lights. And we were taught, and it was very interesting, because it's been probably one of the best teachings I have ever had in my life is don't go down there and just tell them what you want do based on your values, because you are going to be in a country that doesn't have infrastructure. Your main thought and idea will be about cleanliness because you haven't lived in dirt before. And you don't have garbage pickup and you don't have that infrastructure. Don't let your values not allow you--open your eyes and your ears and listen. Look before you leap. And that was really great advice, because I think in politics you really do have to be a good listener.
