When I served in Mauritania from 2003-2005, I had just retired from teaching at the age of 56. I remained the only PCV in-country over the age of 40.

I have to admit that I had a close-minded attitude about this article before I even started to read it. My PC experience is a part of my life that I continue to treasure, and I want other people - both HCNs and PCVs - to be able to have experiences like that.

I must admit, though, that the author and her interviewees have raised some critical issues that have to be considered and discussed.

I especially appreciate the consideration that a CD be a HCN. In Mauritania, as in other countries, the CD was an American; the Associate Peace Corps Directors, who ran their programs, were HCNs, which makes sense, because they are the people who know how things work and have personal connections.

A thought came to mind while I was reading this: there are several countries where there used to be Peace Corps groups, such as South Korea, Poland, Turneky, Tunisia, and India, but economic advancements led to such a level that PC was no longer needed. Perhaps PCVs should have more of an eye towards this kind of advancement.

Final comment: the Peace Corps definitely needs to have a more diverse group of Volunteers - one that more widely reflects our own population, with increased numbers of BIPOC Volunteers.