Interview with Susan Elaine Collins, December 24, 2005

Interview Summary

Elaine "Lainey" Collins (Micronesia, 1989-1991; Community Development Program) talks about living on an island in one of the most isolated Peace Corps posts imaginable. She describes the culture in much detail and how she learned to respect both the people and the culture, and to become part of it. She also explores her experiences as a community development volunteer who taught English, surviving a typhoon, and in her second year implementing a grant to put water seal toilets on the island. Elaine also discusses her life and educational background both before and after joining the Peace Corps, including working on her doctorate in social welfare, working for a youth employment program, the Fresh Air Fund camps, and a charter school in New York City, and also serving as a Crisis Corps volunteer in Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina.

Interview Keyword

Community development Lainey Collins Community involvement Camps Kids camps Camp programs Peace Corps (U.S.)--Micronesia. Training programs Cultural comparisons Satawalese children Satawalese women Culture adjustment Community rebuilding Community membership Peace Corps Response Volunteers Crisis Corps Familial relationships Community-based programs

Interview LC Subject

Collins, Susan Elaine Collins, Susan Elaine--Interviews Micronesia Peace Corps (U.S.)--History Peace Corps (U.S.)--Micronesia Satawal Island (Micronesia) Peace Corps (U.S.)--History--1980-1989. Peace Corps (U.S.)--History--1990-1999. Community development. Peace Corps Institute (U.S.) Peace Corps (U.S.) English language--Study and teaching--Foreign speakers. Community relations Satawalese (Micronesian people) Cultures, beliefs, and traditions Social norms. Social service. Social workers. Global perspectives International relations. Youth development. Disaster relief. Education, Higher.

Interview Rights

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Interview Usage

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