Member Article

Life is all about inspiring those ‘light bulb moments’

We all have the natural desire to be a volunteer, inspire children and ultimately give something back to society. But often the day to day pressures of life make these ambitions and dreams seem difficult to get off the ground or simply impossible.

But local resident, Paul Cook, has found the ultimate balance to achieve his dream. As a scientist at Cramlington based pharmaceutical firm MSD, Paul is generally found engrossed in his work. However, through the support of his employer he is able to make his ‘contribution’ as a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) Ambassador, inspiring local children about these key subjects.As a long-standing STEM Ambassador for Northumberland, Paul loves breaking away from his daily work routine to visit local schools and demonstrate traditional science experiments, in what he affectionately describes as, “those light bulb moments”, when he realises he’s just switched another young person on to the wonders of science.Proudly promoting an attitude which will encourage children to stand out from the crowd and lead the way, volunteers such as Paul play a huge part in improving children’s chances for the challenges they will ultimately face in the future.

But it is not only the children that benefit from the time and contribution given by local Ambassadors. Paul says his voluntary role as a STEM Ambassador has taught him new skills - to plan, budget, present and follow up on projects - as well as boosting confidence and communication skills that aid his day-to-day work.

And his employer, MSD, obviously reap the benefits of Pauls enthusiasm too. From the new found skills ambassadors apply to daily working life; it also enables companies to connect with local schools and communities – simply a win win for everyone.

Paul says of his involvement “Being an Ambassador has given me great skills for life and for my career; it’s also given me loads of laughs. Working with young people is challenging, but it’s also fun and rewarding, I’d definitely recommend it. And of course, my nephews and nieces think I can do magic when I make a battery out of a potato.”

Everyone, not just scientists, has the ability to ‘switch on the odd light bulb or two’ and surely there’s nothing quite more rewarding and satisfying than that?

Why not join Paul and get involved as an Ambassador? E-mail helen.weddle@nepic.co.uk for more information.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Louise Gwynne-Jones .