Interview with Paul Harrison, July 13, 2022

Interview Summary

Paul Harrison, Micronesia, 1966-1968 - Paul Harrison was born and raised in Fairfield, Connecticut. He graduated from the University of Connecticut with a B.A. in Political Science. He was assigned to a potable water project in Micronesia on the island of Tolowas in the village of Nachap. He completed Pre-Service Training in Key West, an outer island, and Miami focused on Trukese language, Micronesian acculturation, and construction of water systems. Upon arrival in Nachap he was welcomed by a local family who provided him with living space and meals as well as cultural understanding. His diet included bread fruit, taro, coconut, and fish. The village Chief determined the work schedule for the water system. Paul’s house, typical of the village, was made of tin with one open room and no water, electricity, or bathroom. Monsoon rains left 400 inches of rain a year in about four months. Paul dedicated his career to improving public health.

Interview Keyword

Fairfield Connecticut University of Connecticut political science JKF recruiter application Pre-service training Key West outer island Miami Micronesia health potable water Trukese Chook language Tolowas island in Micronesia Nachap village Moen HQ affiliated family animists housing subsistence Chief Samuel Irons work monsoons U.S. Trust Territory Germans Japanese non-work day religions Jesuit priest PCV contact coming home bath rotary phone PC staff public health relationships development approach cultural norms

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