G.O.L.D. Spotlight: David Williams '23

Reflecting on your time at Friends, what's one skill or lesson you learned that has proven most valuable in your college journey so far?

The SPICES are values that I’ve maintained since I came to Duke: simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship. I try to value every relationship I make here, treating everyone the way that I would want to be treated. In a lot of ways, Duke and Friends are similar, in the sense that you can still build your community here, where no matter who you walk past, you can always give a smile.

What's been the biggest surprise or most unexpected aspect of college life compared to your expectations coming out of high school?

The most unexpected aspect of college life for me is the free time I have. In high school, you are provided with plenty of structure and a daily schedule. In college, you build your schedule to fit what works best for you, making it more of your responsibility to manage your time efficiently.

Thinking back to your senior year, what advice would you now give your younger self about preparing for college academically, socially, or emotionally?

Always remember to focus on being yourself every day. Remember to run your race, and just because everyone around you is doing things a certain way, doesn’t mean that you have to.

Are there any particular extracurricular activities, clubs, or teachers at Friends that significantly influenced your current interests or your choice of major/career path?

Athletics played a massive role in my current interests. Sports at Friends, whether soccer, basketball, or volleyball, taught me the value of being part of a team working towards a common goal. This is a skill that I still use now, as I participate in on-campus sports, and also while working for the Men’s Basketball team.

Congratulations on a great season with The Duke Men's Basketball Team. How did you land the job as team manager and what are some of the responsibilities that come with your position?

Coming into Duke, I was a passionate sports fan, with a particular love for basketball and the NBA. By my senior year of high school, I had made it a goal to work in the sports industry in some capacity. I mapped what I wanted to become (a sports agent), and the steps I could take to get there. Having spoken to older managers within the program, I knew that the values of hard work and dedication aligned with how I viewed myself. From there, I had two rounds of interviews and ultimately landed the position. Now, in this position, I facilitate daily practices and personal workouts. Working every game on the road and at home in Cameron. My responsibilities have changed throughout the years. As a freshman, you could see me sitting underneath the basket at every home game, wiping the floor, and as a sophomore, I stood next to the bench with the players.