Spotlight On: Richard Duncan

Richard Duncan may have arrived at Stanford just eight months ago, but he’s already a familiar face to undergraduates living in neighborhoods T and F. As neighborhood program director, he plays an important role in shaping neighborhood life through supervising resident directors and community coordinators, and collaborating with resident fellows to lead each neighborhood’s community council.

 

What education and experience do you bring to this work?

I have a BS in business administration from the College of Charleston and an MEd in counselor education from Clemson University. I have worked in student affairs and academic affairs, most recently at American University, where I implemented a first-year seminar program.

 

Tell us about your family.

All of my family except my sister still live in South Carolina. My sister lives in Milwaukee, and I have two small nieces.

 

What are your hobbies?

I live in San Francisco, and I like to explore San Francisco and experience the nightlife and culture that the city has to offer. I’m a big fan of travel and have a side job for an international LGBT travel company. I also enjoy the outdoors and going to movies.

 

What tips do you have for people who are new to campus?

Just explore. The campus itself is massive and beautiful. There are so many spaces that you may not see on a regular basis. Go for a walk. You may find a new spot to sit and have coffee.

 

What is your favorite Stanford event?

My favorite event that I’ve been to is the Big Game. This year, I went tailgating and got to have the whole Stanford football experience. It was just a really great time.

 

Tell us about a challenge you experienced at Stanford and how you overcame it.

The first challenge – and a lot of people experience it when they first set foot on campus — is this intense feeling of imposter syndrome. As a first-generation low-income student from rural South Carolina, I never would have thought that I would be at Stanford. I really homed in on why I’m here, understanding the passion for the work and what I have to contribute to Stanford. Overcoming imposter syndrome is definitely the biggest challenge I’ve been faced with so far.

 

How has Stanford changed you as a person?

Stanford has made me a lot more reflective about what I bring to the table, but also what I expect from this experience. Realizing that “why” — why I do what I do — drives the work and my investment in it.

 

What is one thing you would like students to know?

This is an opportunity for academic exploration. It’s OK to fail. It’s OK to not be involved in every single thing on campus or to not have seven internships. When I was in college, I changed majors twice. It’s OK to take this time to explore and figure out what your passion is and what you care about.

 

What are some fun facts about you?

I’ve never been trick-or-treating, and I can’t swim.