Interview with Keith Esposito, February 9, 2024

Interview Summary

Abstract: Keith Esposito Ukraine 2011-2013 Having graduated from college, Esposito wanted an immersive experience in another country; he joined Peace Corps as an English teacher placed in Kadiivka (or Stankanov) in Luhansk Oblast. He co-taught in Special School #9 specializing in foreign languages, using interactive instructional methods. He joined a band of singers based at a local music school. During the summer, he helped run the CACTUS program in Ternopil that emphasized civil engagement and community service. Esposito is most proud of the interpersonal relationships that we made during service, and, particularly, during the CACTUS camp. An important lesson that he learned was that he needed to advocate for himself, to ask for help when he needed it. Esposito also learned how critical it is for him to talk as he thinks: he is an extrovert. He was aware of microaggressions in social settings and he struggled at times to discern when these comments and actions were more reflective of discrimination or cultural differences.

Interview Keyword

Ukraine Kadiivka Luhansk Oblast Special School #9 interactive instruction band CACTUS program civil engagement community service interpersonal connections self-advocacy interpersonal thinker microagressions discrimination cultural differences

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.