Time Passages

In 1964 Jay Hersch attended a Peace Corps forum sponsored by his political science instructor. Inspired by the stories of those returning from Peace Corps service, Hersch signed up, spending the next two years living with the disadvantaged Campesinos of rural Columbia.

Two years may seem a short enough period in a life, but the experience influenced Hersch deeply, impacting his attitudes and career for the next fifty years.

Time Passages collects many stories from Hersch’s life both during and after his Peace Corps service. He relives the moments that forged his life, from his time in Columbia to his experiences as a cattle rancher amid the beauty of the Appalachians. Along the way, he examines the challenges and issues of working with the disenfranchised poor and the traits volunteers need to succeed.

Hersch’s Peace Corps experience stands in stark contrast to the USA’s decision to intervene in Vietnam. He argues convincingly that such action was doomed to fail, contrasting the military solution with home-grown change initiated and organized by those who need help the most.

Time Passages offers one man’s ever-changing journey-a voyage that rejects growing old gracefully in favor of a continuous effort to improve humanity’s lot.