Interview with Claire Gracia, August 17, 2020
Project: Peace Corps: COVID-19 Evacuated Peace Corps Volunteers Oral History Project
Interview Summary
Claire Gracia was raised in a bi-cultural family. She earned a degree in global studies and Spanish from Bryant University. She had experience in youth development, which was the sector she was assigned to in Peru. Claire worked in Pedro Ruiz in Amazonas province. She lived with a host family during her tour. Pre-Service Training (PST) in Chaclacyo, while covering the basics, fell short of all needed to begin service. Assigned to two high schools, the municipal government, and a health center, her work began slowly, but expanded rapidly, until COVID-19 forced an evacuation of the country. Relationships with Peruvians were excellent, however, some harassing “cat calling” did occur. The evacuation was not expected, but soon became an immediate withdrawal that took eight days. Viewed as “white,” Claire’s bicultural heritage did not affect her relationships with the Peruvian or Peace Corps community. However, some Volunteers were harassed for “bringing COVID-19 to Peru.”Interview Accession
Interviewee Name
Interviewer Name
Interview Date
Interview Keyword
Peru (Country of service) 2018-2020 (Date of service) Youth Development Bi-cultural Bryant University Amazonas Pedro Ruiz Multiple host NGOs Career fairs Challenges Harassment Peace Corps support Diversity #Covid19 Diversity in the Peace Corps Peace Corps Volunteer Job: Youth in Development Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Interview Rights
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Gracia, Claire Interview by Randolph A. Adams. 17 Aug. 2020. Lexington, KY: Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.
Gracia, C. (2020, August 17). Interview by R. A. Adams. Peace Corps: COVID-19 Evacuated Peace Corps Volunteers Oral History Project. Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries, Lexington.
Gracia, Claire, interview by Randolph A. Adams. August 17, 2020, Peace Corps: COVID-19 Evacuated Peace Corps Volunteers Oral History Project, Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.
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