Teen Volunteer Spotlight – Sophie Burns

Meet one of the teen volunteers helping shape the future of McWane Science Center. Recent high school graduate Sophie Burns has contributed more than 1,500 volunteer hours while balancing school, leadership responsibilities, and preparing to attend Yale University this fall. From leading programs to mentoring younger volunteers, Sophie has made a lasting impact on our guests, staff, and volunteer community.

We sat down with Sophie to reflect on her time at McWane, what she’s learned along the way, and what’s next as she heads to Yale this fall.

What first inspired you to start volunteering at McWane?
I was sitting in math class in 8th grade when my teacher asked if anyone was interested in volunteering at McWane over the summer. At first, I didn’t think I would have time for it, but after taking a look at the packet, it sounded like something I would really enjoy. I almost backed out before submitting my application, but one of my teachers had already started writing my recommendation letter, so I decided to go for it, and I’ve been here ever since!

What has been your favorite part of being a Teen Leader?
It’s so hard to narrow it down. I love how much the staff supports all of us and lets us run with our ideas (within reason, of course). One time, I asked to create new programs, certain I would be told no, and now those programs are part of the volunteer selection. I also love helping lead newer volunteers and helping them find their place, and I get to have additional responsibilities like Touch Tank, Itty Bitty Magic City Greeting, and High Cycle.

Do you have a favorite memory or moment from your time here?
One time, a little boy who was just tall enough to ride the High Cycle was so nervous but really wanted to try it. He was so brave the whole time, and when I reached out at the end to help pull the bike back in, he grabbed my hand. I had to use my other hand to get the bike back in because he was holding my hand so tightly. It was so, so precious. That, or the time I convinced our manager to let me pie him in the face.

What skills or lessons do you feel you’ve gained through volunteering?
Of course, things like public speaking and customer service, but I think an underrated skill I’ve developed is the ability to communicate complex scientific topics to groups containing a variety of ages in a way that is simple enough for a child to understand, but deep enough for an adult to learn something new. I imagine this will be very useful if I do end up in pediatrics one day.

How has McWane impacted you personally or academically?
Personally, I knew exactly zero people when I walked through the doors on my first day, but I have come to meet people and make friends that I could not imagine my high school years without. It definitely helped me become much more outgoing and is a large part of the reason I’m not scared of going to a college where I don’t know anybody.

Academically, I always love when what I’m learning at school applies to something here, or vice versa. On the AP Chem Exam, the last FRQ was about lab procedure and error analysis of chromatography, but I quite literally do that in my sleep (IYKYK). I’ve done that program hundreds of times here and train others on it, so I finished that FRQ in about three minutes and had time to focus on the more challenging questions. There have been several times when something I’m learning at school is closely linked to a program or exhibit here, so I’m able to apply knowledge from both places to strengthen both my academics and facilitation, which I always love.

What are you planning to study at Yale?
Neuroscience and Spanish on the pre-med track. I would love to be a pediatrician one day, specializing in neurology, oncology, or emergency medicine.

What are you most excited about in this next chapter?
Meeting and living with people from all over the world! I’ve also already been in contact with the science museum on Yale’s campus to see how I can get involved.

What advice would you give to other students thinking about volunteering at McWane?
Do it! Because the volunteers are from all over the Birmingham area and McWane is downtown, you feel much more connected to Birmingham as a whole, with friends in every part of the city, while also learning and growing in every possible way.

Good luck at Yale, Sophie!