Interview with Kevin Cropper, May 31, 2023

Interview Summary

Panama, 2007 – 2009, Agriculture

Kevin Cropper was born in Texas, moved to Arkansas, and finally to Southwest Virginia. He graduated from Virginia Tech with degrees in Computer Science and Liberal Arts and Sciences (minors in math, English, and psychology). He also has a master’s from Johns Hopkins University. Kevin trained in Santa Clara focusing on agricultural techniques, e.g. terracing, composting, and gardening. Kevin and his wife were assigned to Isla Leones, reachable only by boat - population of 300 to 350 inhabitants. He described his house and the community at large. The economic base of the community was in cattle, fishing, and farming. Maria Luisa, a host mother, and other community leaders, assisted Kevin in presentations to women’s groups, setting up a library of children’s books, and story time and English lessons at the local school. Kevin worked as the liaison between community groups and the Agriculture Ministry. He shared his thoughts on relationships and the change process as well as several memorable moments of his service.

Interview Keyword

Panama agriculture Texas Arkansas Virginia Texas A&M University computer science minors math English psychology cousin father’s friend RPCVs recruiting events John Hopkins masters DC staging Pre-Service Training Santa Claire couples host family Volunteer visit model farm Day of Martyrs Panamanian history In-Service and Mid-Service training Isla Leones work site cattlemen fishermen farmers community members Maria Luisa leaders boat transportation houses description cell phone connection community description Puesto de Salud health clinic prepared food daily routine fishing fields school English story time kids library books sea turtles liaison with Agriculture Ministry and community farm demonstration memorable moments kids relationships change process women’s network Peace Corps value

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