Ep #030: Jennie Davis, Senegal 2011-2013
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Jennie served in the capital of the garden belt in Senegal. Her longest and most successful project was working with a local leather worker who made purses and other handicrafts. However, not all her projects worked out. Hear about Jennie’s successes and missteps, while navigating complex community and volunteer relationships.
On this Episode:
- How to win the respect of your community and why you don’t always have to
- Serving as a third-generation Peace Corps Volunteer
- Dealing with inter-volunteer conflict
Photos from Jennie’s Story
Jennie Davis’s Peace Corps Story
Where and when did you serve? What did you do?
I served in Senegal from 2011 – 2013 as a Community Economic Development volunteer.
What is one of your favorite Peace Corps memories?
I was in the group SeneGAD and we participated in Girls Camp. What made it fun and challenging was creating activities, the logistics, food menus, and language mistakes on my part.
What is one of your least favorite Peace Corps memories?
When I was sick or when I had a fall out with some volunteers. The illness I could overcome; However, I feel that I could have handled some situations with other volunteers better.
What do you miss about the Peace Corps?
The simplicity of life and making my own schedule. Also, having neighbors and someone looking out for you.
What is something you learned in the Peace Corps?
Always have a backup plan and to come prepared no matter what.
Do you have a favorite quote or local saying?
There are plenty, but there is one. Sometimes children ask me for money (in Wolof) I always say that “I don’t have money, I’m broke”. They always counteract with, “You have a big purse, so you always have money!”