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...