My SHARE with Schools Experience: Volunteer Blog Post – Isabelle Doyle

The past two years with SHARE with Schools have been one of the most rewarding and exciting parts of my university journey—an experience I’ll carry with me long after graduation. During this time, we’ve delivered a wide variety of workshops to Year 7 and 8 students across the local area. From playing Dungeons & Dragons and solving medieval mysteries to analysing isotopic data, we’ve not only explored fascinating topics but also brought smiles to the faces of students and teachers alike.

No two workshops were ever the same, but I always felt well-prepared. SHARE with Schools provided excellent training, clear communication, and a strong network of support from fellow volunteers; every possible aspect felt clear and well defined.

Furthermore, SHARE with schools has helped me build my confidence. When I attended that first meeting to sign up, I found myself loitering by the snack table awkwardly, hoping someone else would start a conversation. But now I feel open and excited to talk to large groups of people, making myself the centre of attention. Though I will admit the confidence didn’t come all at once, during my first high school visit, I was too nervous to participate in the PowerPoint. Yet the best part of SHARE with schools is that there was always someone to help me, and I never felt pressured to do anything until I was ready.

Most importantly, this experience has completely reshaped my view of the future. Before, I would’ve shied away from anything too “people-facing.” Now, I’m genuinely excited by the idea of teaching and working with young people. SHARE with Schools has pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me discover a passion for sharing history in ways that are dynamic, creative, and fun, not just academic.

My best advice to someone who hasn’t already would be just to sign up and throw yourself into the deep end, because you never know what will come of it and how it can change you for the better.