John S.

1. What got you interested in the Peace Corps?

My Peace Corps journey actually started way back in 1975, and that experience stayed with me throughout my life. After retiring, I still felt like I had more to give—more to learn, too—so I decided to come back. Honestly, I had the same sense of excitement and curiosity the second time around. Every day brings its own little challenges and rewards, and I love that. Service continues to inspire and energize me, just like it did in the beginning.

2. What projects are you working on?

Right now, I co-teach English at a primary school here in northeastern Thailand. I work hand-in-hand with Thai teachers to make lessons fun and meaningful for the students. Outside of school, I also teach English to adults in the community and run a swimming program for kids. On top of that, I coach scrabble, ping pong, and chess, which are great ways to connect with students outside the classroom. My host dad is the village head, so I’m often pulled into community events—there’s always something going on!

3. What strategies have you used to integrate into your community?

I try to keep it simple: observe, listen, and show respect. I watch how people interact and try to follow their lead. I ask lots of questions and show real interest in their lives. Being part of community events and just spending time with my host family has helped a lot. Over time, those small efforts have turned into real relationships, and I feel like I’ve truly become part of the village.

4. What is a highlight of your time in service so far?

There’ve been so many memorable moments, but one that really sticks with me is being welcomed into local family and community events. That’s where I’ve built the strongest connections. I also get a lot of joy from teaching—especially when I see students overcome challenges. It’s a reminder that learning isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. Teaching here has deepened my empathy and taught me to slow down and meet people where they are.

5. What have you enjoyed most about the community where you are serving?

I love how open and welcoming everyone is. People here are incredibly generous with their time, their stories, and especially their food! One moment that touched me deeply was chatting with neighbors about our hopes for our grandkids—and realizing we had so much in common. Watching this community support each other, especially in tough times, has shown me what real resilience looks like.

6. What are some of the most important things you’ve learned from your community?

One big takeaway is the value of hard work and mutual support. People here work so hard, but they still find time for each other—and for joy. That balance has really made me reflect on what matters most. I’ve also learned to be more patient and open-minded, especially when navigating cultural differences. These lessons will stick with me for life.

7. How do you spend time when you’re not working on a project?

I really enjoy just being part of daily life here. I spend a lot of time with my host family—we often talk about our families, especially our hopes for the younger generation. I like biking around the village, fishing by the pond (though I don’t catch much!), and relaxing at home with my five cats and one dog. I even have two cows now—it’s been a fun side project! These little routines make me feel even more rooted in the community.

8. What are you looking forward to in your remaining time as a Volunteer?

I’m excited to keep building relationships, especially with teachers in nearby communities. I’ll be joining a district-wide teacher training soon, and I’m looking forward to learning and sharing ideas. Most of all, I’m eager to keep supporting my students and watching their confidence grow. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of their journey.

9. Once you finish service, what will you do differently when you return to the U.S.?

I don’t think I’ll come back as a completely different person, but I know I’ll return more thoughtful and patient. This experience has deepened my appreciation for other cultures and reminded me how powerful education can be. I’m excited to share these insights with my friends and family—and hopefully open their eyes a bit more to the wider world, especially this amazing place called Thailand.