Interview with Daniel Merin, Meaghan Conlisk, March 12, 2023

Interview Summary

Daniel Merin served in Costa Rica, 2008-2010, assigned to Children, Youth and Families. That was a natural assignment based on his Latin American studies, Spanish-speaking and work with youth. Training was in Fatima, Costa Rica. Spanish language training took place in small groups in the community. Daniel’s permanent site was Puerto Limon, Los Lirios. Daniel described his work as partnering with organizations to motivate and empower youth, and their parents, to become involved in Costa Rican society, systems and issues. Daniel lived in a “tough neighborhood,” a squatter settlement with lots of crime. One of his projects was acting as liaison regarding a community grant for installing water lines in the area. His usual job was working with social workers out of an elementary school. He married co-volunteer Meaghan Conlisk. Daniel joined a PC on-line service effort last year. He said he’d like to serve in PC again when older.

Meaghan Conlisk served in Costa Rica, 2008-2010, working in Youth Development. Her RPCV high school English teacher inspired her to join PC. Training was in Fatima, Costa Rica. Spanish language training took place in small groups in the community. Meaghan’s permanent site was the rural area of Los Mangos. Her counterpart was an elementary school principal. Her work included after-school environmental education with regional schools and clubs/programs. Meaghan also served on the PC volunteer advisory committee. She married a fellow volunteer, Daniel Merin, when they returned home. Most Costa Ricans don’t live in tourist communities and are subject to typical hardships of a developing country. Meaghan believes PC may no longer be a viable option for young people, without assistance, given the uncertainty over their economic futures; she said PC should be a program one can join regardless of income. She called her PC experience “profound”.

Interview Keyword

Peace Corps (U.S.) Costa Rica (Country of service) 2008-2010 (Date of service) Peace Corps Volunteer Job: Children, Youth and Families Costa Rica Nicaragua Panama Peace Corps (U.S.)--2000-2010 English Spanish Black Americans

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