Watching young people’s confidence grow is so rewarding

Caroline Morgan, BBC Team Assistant, E20 (A project to rebuild the EastEnders external set) brought her skills of working with young people to the BBC Radio Bristol WG Grace Schools project. The WG Grace project commemorated the 100th anniversary of the death of WG Grace, and through workshops inspired a new generation to appreciate one of Britain’s finest cricketers.

“Volunteering can provide a healthy boost to your self-confidence and self-esteem”.

In the past I have volunteered with hospitals and schools, so an opportunity to volunteer with BBC Outreach was music to my ears. At BBC Radio Bristol, I met the team who would be working on the WG Grace project, and then enjoyed a briefing session on the talented cricketer. I knew very little about him prior to the briefing so was nervous at the thought of giving a presentation to a group of school children who like sports.

Armed with the booklets and the information from the briefing session, I set off to ‘Colston Girls School’, were 12 keen listeners eagerly awaited my workshop.

I really didn’t know what to expect - I was concerned how the girls would relate to me, and if they would complete the task. I gave the girls an overview of my role, and then briefed them on WG Grace, while the rest of the team briefed them on their task. We then split the girls into three groups so they could brainstorm scenarios of how to make an interview for radio. I walked around each group in order to listen, support and encourage their ideas.

The girls embraced the task quickly - and they soon were buzzing with ideas, leading to discussions about the type of programme they wanted to deliver. Their ideas ranged from using a ‘Jeremy Kyle’ style interview, to using Twitter as a talking tool. It was inspiring to listen to their ideas and see their imagination come alive, often humorous in parts, the girls had me laughing……. a lot! In just two takes the girls recorded three different interviews.

After the Q&A the girls mentioned they really enjoyed the workshop session and one girl asked me: “what do you do in the BBC?” I explained that I work on the E20 Programme which has involved building a permanent lot for EastEnders. She gushed, “I love EastEnders, my Mum and I sit together and watch the show - are the babies real?” - I had to smile.

Like me you may want to make a real difference when you volunteer - but it’s not just about what you can do for others, volunteers get a lot out of the experience too. I learned so much in this short space of time – how to record, brainstorm and mentor. I enjoyed getting to know new people and teaching them about the radio industry. To see people’s confidence grow - for me that is so fulfilling and rewarding, both professionally and personally.

With busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer but I’m really glad I have, and feel very proud and honoured to have done so with BBC Outreach.

I’m excited to see what’s next.

StemNet Careers Events are organised and hosted by BBC Outreach and gives Year-9 students the opportunity to meet BBC Stem Ambassadors who use science, technology, engineering or maths in their BBC roles. BBC North has 12 Ambassadors who during the event gave practical demonstrations on their roles and advice on GCSE STEM subjects.