Page 29 - Priorities #53 2012-June/July

29
Whitehouse
at Hare’s office, she talked to constituents about the Congressman’s positions and gave tours of the Capitol. “[My time] in Congressman Hare’s office allowed me to work on many policy issues that I was interested in,” she says, adding that she worked on labor rights issues, health care issues, environmental issues, and veterans issues. “I also learned a lot about the legislative process—how to gain support for an issue or legislative priority and how to clearly and concisely make an argument about something that mattered to me,” she says. “I used the skills Priory had taught me: to be a good listener and to take others’ opinions into consideration.”
In the summer of 2010, all of Duncan’s hard work came to fruition when she was given an opportunity to interview for a position in the Presidential Personnel Office. “The rest is history and a dream come true!” she says.
Duncan says that working at the White House is a rewarding and challenging experience and that her office is full of passionate people who are experts in their field and committed to moving the country forward. “I am constantly inspired by those with whom I work,” she says, “and I am honored to serve a President who I believe in, and who has inspired so many people.”
Did her seven years at Priory help pave the way for Duncan’s career in politics? Without a doubt. Priory taught her the values of tolerance, diversity, and service, she says. During her time at Priory, she volunteered at soup kitchens and learned about social issues affecting the San Francisco Bay Area through the service learning program, and learned the value of local, sustainable and healthy eating by watching Mr. Clark’s vegetable garden begin to sprout. “I appreciate that Priory teaches students to be well rounded,” she says. “The innovation among students and faculty makes it a wonderful learning environment, and teaches students that it’s ok to ask questions, take risks and have new ideas. The curriculum, especially in the theology department, allowed me to learn about different faiths and cultures. Priory taught me to be respectful of those around me and of other opinions.”
Duncan continues to learn and grow at her current position, but she also has her eyes on the future. She’s always wanted to work on domestic homelessness and hunger issues, and says that she could see herself one day running a nonprofit. “I don’t know exactly what my next steps will look like,” she says, “but I do know that they will continue to help further my understanding of these issues and allow me to help find a solution to some of the complex social problems of my generation.”
Julia Duncan (bottom row, far left) poses with the Priory Middle School in front of the White House during their visit to Washington D.C.