Interview with Thalia Felice Johnson, September 14, 2022

Interview Summary

Thalia Johnson served in Malaysia, working in agricultural education, 1969-1970. She extended a third year to work in Kuala Lumpur in vocational guidance. She wanted to join Peace Corps (PC) since 9th grade when JFK announced it. She wrote a letter to which Sargent Shriver responded, advising her to finish college and then apply. Half of Thalia’s training was in Hawaii and the rest in-country. In Hawaii, Thalia did student teaching. In Malaysia, at the Agricultural Teachers College, Serdang, she trained in tropical agriculture. Thalia’s permanent site was Masjid Tanah, Melaka. She was assigned to a secondary school teaching English, Biology and Agricultural Science. Thalia said she learned there isn’t just one religious way, and values the lifelong relationships made. She attributes PC as guiding her career as an Extension 4-H agent, and serving as a foundation for her social justice interest and eventual ministry.

Interview Keyword

Peace Corps (U.S.) Malaysia (Country of service) 1969-1970 (Date of service) Peace Corps Volunteer Job: Agriculture Education Malaysia Singapore Thailand South China Seas Islands Peace Corps (U.S.)--1960-1970 Malay

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