Interview with Robert Ellis, June 25, 2021

Interview Summary

Ellis joined the Peace Corps after a friend-of-a-friend recommended it to him, while he worked for Western Union as an equipment installer and sheet metal specialist. In the town of Virak, near Legaspi City on the island of Catanduanes, he supervised workers building typhoon-proof schools which also served as shelters to the community during storms in the Philippines. The businessman from whom he ordered building supplies provided 2 bags of groceries per month in return for Ellis’ business. English was the official language of the Philippines, although he learned to speak Bicol, the local dialect. One night, Ellis had a frightening encounter with a water buffalo which would have run over him had he not jumped into a rice paddy. “I changed dramatically” as a result of Peace Corps he states: he learned the importance of an education. Ellis became a parole officer for the courts in Boston, and he credits people whom he met while a volunteer with his commitment to learning – and, to his resilience.

Interview Keyword

Philippines (Country of service) Sheet metal specialist Virak Typhoon-proof schools Bicol Parole officer Boston, Massachusetts Resilience 1970-1972 (Years of service)

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Interview Usage

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