Meet Samira Duncan – Guyanese Psychology Student, Archer and Model

Samira Duncan was born on Tuesday, 25th March 1997 at Woodlands Hospital to Shearlyn David and Sean Duncan. Samira is fourth of six siblings and grew up in Patterson, south of Sophia. While life was not always perfect, she believes she was privileged because her parents always did their best to provide everything for her.  When she was younger Samira had parrots, hamsters, turtles, rabbits and even monkeys! At the moment, she has a dog named Ramiel who she takes with her during her photoshoots. Duncan attended St. Margaret’s Primary then moved on to the Bishop’s High School. After graduating from high school, she did CAPE for a year. Samira was always fascinated by psychology from a young age but Guyana had no scope for Psychology at the time and so she attended Guyana’s Technical institute where she studied Computer Science. However, when the University of Guyana introduced their Degree in Psychology, Samira was ecstatic and proceeded to apply for their program.

Samira Duncan – Photo by The Photo Phactory Photography

Passion for Psychology

At a tender age, Samira was intrigued by the workings and thoughts of the human mind. Most of what she knew, she learned from her father or movies but didn’t suffice. Soon enough she began reading and watching videos based on psychology. As a child, there were many complex things that Samira didn’t understand. She could not comprehend why humans do the things they do. What started off as a childlike fascination turned into a hobby and blossomed into a passion for psychology.

As she grew older, she provided support to her friends since she knew a bit of psychology at this point. Somewhere along the line of listening to their stories, Samira realized everyone is enduring some trauma in their life, and many, had no idea how to process or deal with it in a healthy way. She wanted to help so she began learning more to help anyone who needed a friend or someone to listen to them. Around 2015, Samira started visiting some of the orphanages in Guyana. It was during this time she was able to interact with the children that lived there, many of whom could not understand why they were there, why they were abandoned. Children normally have tons of questions at their age but these children were different. Some were confused as to why mommy hasn’t returned among many other reasons. They were hurt and would even cry sometimes. Visiting orphanages influenced Duncan’s decision to study psychology. Samira noted that while the physical needs like food and clothing are met, parents, especially Guyanese parents dismiss the feelings/ emotions of their children.

Sometimes the children try their best to understand what is going on but it’s just too much so they manifest their ideas in their own little way, which may not always be the best choice. Sometimes, they blame themselves and act out or become withdrawn or develop other various issues. I want to be there to help them understand, to help their families understand so that the children do not grow up in confusion and in an unhealthy environment.

Modelling

Samira does modelling which she manages between work and school. When she was a child, Samira suffered from anxiety and was never had the courage to do the things she really wanted to do. Studying psychology has opened up new doors for her and forced her to analyze herself. Samira tried to become her best self which began experimenting with various things. since as a kid, she loved dressing up one of those that stuck was modelling.

I started to figure out who I was. And I realized even though it made me anxious to do things, I couldn’t figure out who I was by staying in the corner. So, I pushed myself to do a lot of activities to get over my anxiety. Modelling being one of the bravest ones, where I completely put myself out to the world. It still makes me nervous but I’m working on my confidence.

Samira and Ramiel – Photo by JSM Studio

While Samira focuses on her career she has quite a few hobbies and goals. Reading, hanging out with friends and family, learning, swimming, cycling, archery and cosplaying are only a few of these. On more than one occasion Samira has cosplayed as her favourite characters. If you’re new to the concept, cosplay is the practice of dressing as a character from an anime, film, book, or even video games.

Cosplaying as your favourite characters make you feel like you have a connection with the character and you can put yourself in their place. It’s pretty cool to do as a hobby, plus the work that goes into making a costume is quite satisfying. To know that you have spent time putting the work into something is super cool.

She would also like to become a good Graphics Designer and to be able to make money, like any other person. However, Samira intends to use this to help save various types of endangered animals. She absolutely loves animals, except spiders, she clarified. Archery is one of her favourite sports, which she hopes to pursue by one day representing Guyana at the international level. So far Samira has won quite a few competitions and medals.

Samira hopes that her major in a Degree in Psychology would allow her to be better equipped in helping her family, friends, and anyone else who needs it most. Her aim as a psychologist is to push for access to psychologists in orphanages so children will be better able to overcome their problems and to deal with their mental health in a healthy manner. Generally, she hopes to have more psychologists in Guyana promote awareness and importance of children’s mental health as it is not something most Guyanese acknowledge or take seriously. When Samira is not, studying, working or modelling, she is finding new ways to improve herself. She believes that by first working on herself, and becoming a better person, she will be able to provide better guidance and support.