My SHARE with Schools Experience: Volunteer Blog Post – Sophie Condon

I volunteered with SHARE with Schools at Cardiff University’s ‘Be a Scientist!’ event,
part of the Cardiff Science Festival. As a first-year undergraduate studying Modern
History and Politics, this was my first time volunteering with SHARE with Schools. Being
responsible for speaking directly with visitors about the artefacts pushed me outside
my comfort zone at first, but I became more confident as the morning went on.

I mainly spoke about the animal bones on display, explaining how their size, shape and
structure can indicate how different animals lived. It was interesting to consider how
small details in a bone can suggest information about diet, movement and
environment. Discussing these objects required me to think carefully about how to
explain ideas clearly and concisely.

What stood out most was how much I learned myself. Through conversations with
visitors and fellow volunteers, I gained new insights into the artefacts and the stories
they represent. The experience reinforced how important clear and accessible
communication is in making history engaging for all. I left the session more confident in
speaking with a range of audiences and with a greater appreciation for hands-on
learning.