#58 - Derek Lowstuter

When Derek Lowstuter joined the Peace Corps, he found the transition from Colorado to Ethiopia very easy... at least as far as the altitude went. Everything else? Way different. Becoming part of a community there came loaded with lessons. By learning to accept help, or reach beyond community, he strengthened his own place within it.

Derek is an award-winning educator and writer. He graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in natural resources management. He earned his master's degree in forest sciences in collaboration with the Peace Corps Masters International Program. He is currently a doctoral student studying Peace Corps service as transformative human resource development.

Derek's book is called Fiddler on the Roof of Africa: How to Fail Successfully as a Peace Corps Volunteer.

Derek Lowstuter

SHOW CREDITS

SP/FS Producer & Host: Christopher Wurst

Opening Voices: Dmitri Wurst, Elena Wurst, Kjara Wurst, Christopher Wurst

Voice of Dubious Aunt Deb: Cathy Zielske

Cold Open Music: BWM – The Brina Band

Dubious Aunt Deb Music: Cass County Beauty Queen – Alan Singley

Episode Music:

Highride Chrome – Blue Dot Sessions

Gambrel – Blue Dot Sessions

Heliotrope – Blue Dot Sessions

Le Fonte – Blue Dot Sessions

City Limits– Blue Dot Sessions

Interview date: March 24, 2025