"I joined the Peace Corps years ago for a stint in Western Samoa. To an outsider, one would naturally think it to be backward, feudal, and even pagan. To the contrary, they are savvy and advanced in ways we cannot imagine — an abiding respect for their natural resources, their humble perspective of their place in the country’s history, their duty to perpetuate the Samoan cultural legacy, and their unpretentiousness. I came to deeply respect their 'choice' of a simple way of life. Years later in other cultures and countries, their influence continues to enhance my work in design."