Sometimes during outreach events such as those we are doing in Kuching at the moment I have the chance to step back and appreciate what is going on around me. I instinctively look at those in our “audience”, are they focused, are they enjoying it, are they smiling and talking about what they are doing. I listen to the buzz of noise that comes from a classroom of happy students (no matter what their age).
Then I look around at the room and what what is going on, I stand and watch the outreach team working the tables, a helping hand, a suggestion, a joke. All this going on around the room with me in the middle, I often catch myself with an involuntary smile on my face just from the pleasure it brings me to watch young men and women charming their way into the hearts and minds of kids and teachers.
Sometimes the brilliance of the team becomes the norm and I just expect and accept it. Then a stranger from outside the group visit and starts pointing things out to me and I realise what a privilege it is to work with these volunteers who give up their time in order to help inspire the next generation of scientists. The wonder of it all is that it has come about through me just wanting to share something that I love, the joy of seeing kids eyes light up when they see when we share some cool chemistry.
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